Mary Jo Cahill, 78, of Shawnee, Kansas passed away Thursday, September 22, 2022 following a brief illness and surrounded by loved ones. The visitation will be from 4:30-7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26 at Porter Funeral Home, 1835 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS. A private family mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. Peter on Tuesday, September 27. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Cathedral of St. Peter.
The daughter of Martin (Marty) and Allien (Hatala) Zahradnik, Mary Jo was born on September 29, 1943 in New York City, New York where Marty was stationed during the war. Upon returning to Kansas City, she attended Christ the King Grade School and graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1961, where she was captain of the cheerleading team and met the love of her life Patrick “Shorty” Cahill. Mary Jo attended the University of Kansas, where was she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority, graduating in 1965.
She married Shorty on June 19, 1965 at Christ the King Church, and was blessed with two children, Sean and Scott. Mary Jo taught kindergarten and 1st grade in KCK, devoted time to her boys and family, and later joined the Wyandotte County Appraiser’s Office where she worked for numerous years.
Mary Jo was a devoted wife, dedicated mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She loved to read and was rarely without her Kindle. She enjoyed going out to eat with friends and family, but her favorite pastime was attending and following her grandchildren’s activities and lives. From school programs, sporting activities, birthday celebrations, and family gatherings – these were her most cherished times. More recently, she became savvy at online livestreaming and social media, able to follow these activities in the comfort of her pajamas.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her husband Shorty in 1991, brothers-in-law John Cahill and Edward “Sandy” Cahill. She is survived by her two sons, Sean Cahill (Kelly), Scott Cahill (Linda), grandchildren, Kinsey, Patrick, Avery, and Delaney Cahill, Sara and Austin Gillespie, and Michael and Lauren Cahill, sisters-in-law Ellen Cahill and Regina Cahill, nieces and nephews and many cousins.
Mary Jo’s family wishes to thank the staff of Brookdale at Rosehill for their love, care, and friendship over the past decade.