Shirley Canaday McGeary
May 22, 1935---Sep 15, 2024

Our beloved wife, Mother, grandmother passed away peacefully in the home of her daughter on September 15th, 2024. Her family were all gathered by her side. For those of you who knew her and for those of you who didn’t, we feel it difficult to find enough words to describe such an amazing woman, but we’re going to give it our best try. Mom was the most gracious, kind-hearted, thoughtful, selfless, loving woman.  Her generosity to others was exemplified through her laughter and her loving ways.  When she connected with you, you felt right at home.  In life and in dying, she had a way of making people feel a part of her family.  

Mom was born on May 22, 1935 in Holden, MO.  What a glorious day that must have been.  God lent us his favorite Angel.  Here parents were Lewis and Kathryn Canaday, loving members of the Holden Community.  Kathryn, also a member of the Schmidtlein clan of Topeka, KS.  Mom had such love for her many Aunts and Uncles on both sides.  We all fondly recall the large Schmidtlein family reunions. And we mean large! 

She attended the University of St. Mary and graduated in 1957.  Back then it was St. Mary College and women only. She gained friendships there that lasted a lifetime; both with her loving dorm mates and the Sisters that taught her.  Mom loved her school so that she volunteered for many, many years with school fundraisers and they were always so special to her. 

Mom married dad, Robert P. McGeary (Bob) of Salina, KS on May 9, 1959.  They had 65 years together and as Bob said; “There’s not enough pen and paper to write…...” all the things I want to say. They were blessed with four beautiful children; Robb, Ann (deceased), Mary Kathryn & Patty.

Robb married his precious wife Alice and have two children Anna and Jack.  Mary Kathryn (MK) has two handsome sons Noah and Gabriel. Mom absolutely cherished every moment with each of her grandchildren.  The way her eyes would light up in their presence was magical.  They were truly, truly her heart. 

Mom worked from home until the kids all left grade-school.  For a while she was the girls’ Brownie and Scout Leader. A job she may or may not want to take on again.  We were a handful.  After a short stint in the finance office at the Westin Crown Center, she found her home at Andrews McMeel Publishing in Kansas City, MO.  She was the Executive Assistant to the CFO.  But let’s face it, she ran that place 😊.  Again, she made so many friends there and truly cherished each of them.  She loved her work and talked about it with such pride. She even got Patty to work with her for a summer doing data entry and Patty can attest to the joy Mom felt working with such a wonderful group of people. 

During our care for her over these past six years, we have truly learned the meaning of unconditional love.  Until we meet again Mom, you will be our Guradian Angel.  Thank you for showing us how to be loving, kind, brave and strong.  We hope to master these in your honor!  Love you Mom/Momma/Grandma! 

Donations lovingly accepted at University of St. Mary, Leavenworth, KS where Shirley attended college.  This Angel Fund helps students with financial need to bridge the gap and achieve their educational dreams. Please donate in honor of Shirley Canaday McGeary, class of ’57!

If you would like to donate in Shirley’s name, please click on either organization below: 

https://www.supportusm.com/angel-fund-gift/

https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate

 

 


Condolences

Scott Schlesinger Sep 18, 2024

Friend of family ,Lawrence ,Kansas

I would to extended my condolences to the family for their loss. You are all in my prayers and thoughts

Kristin van Thullenar Sep 18, 2024

Adopted daughter ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Shirley was the best! The McGeary's moved in down the street from us, and we became fast friends. Shirley was our girl scout troop leader, and she did so much for us, ensuring we have lifelong memories of the many adventures our fearless leader took us on. We went to St. Louis, Washington DC, and Colorado, just to name a few. She was a second momma to many of her daughters friends. She made it easy to talk to her about anything as she never criticized or judged anyone. She had a beautiful, open heart, and she shared it freely. I will always cherish her.

Kay Howerton Sep 18, 2024

Did childcare for Noah and Gabe ,Topeka ,Kansas

Sweet lady! I got to know her through MK and her boys when I did childcare for the boys years ago. She always had a smile and kind words! God be with you all, until you meet again. ??????

Bob & Lisa Greene Sep 18, 2024

friend ,Sunnyvale ,California

What a beautiful tribute. Being a freinds of Patty, we can see that many of the wonderful attributes mentioned above have been passed down to the next generation. Creating caring children is what parents are meant to do. Shirley did her job well. Her children have taken such good care of their momma over the last few years. Her example will continue to inspire not only her family but anyone she has touched with her love and laughter. Our hearts are with you all at this difficult time.

Bob & Lisa Greene Sep 18, 2024

friend ,Sunnyvale ,California

What a beautiful tribute. Being freinds of Patty, we can see that many of Shirley's wonderful attributes mentioned above have been passed down to the next generation. Creating caring children is what parents are meant to do. Shirley did her job well. Her children have taken such good care of their momma over the last few years. Her example will continue to inspire not only her family but anyone she has touched to be better human beings. Our hearts are with you all at this difficult time.

Lynne Bourne Sep 18, 2024

friend ,Carbondale ,Kansas

I have only met Shirley as my friend MK’s mother. She was highly regarded and loved by her family I know that. She was a true giver and pay it forward person. Sending love to MK and her family. MK you have given her the best gift of your time, attention and care.

Anna McGeary Sep 18, 2024

granddaughter ,lenexa ,Kansas

I feel so incredibly lucky to call Shirley my grandmother and honored to be her only Granddaughter. She had the sweetest soul and the kindest heart. I will cherish the countless memories and moments we shared forever. She always knew the right thing to say, offering kind words and wonderful advice. As her sassy little granddaughter, I would get her specific side-eye look and finger shake whenever I needed to check myself. I will miss that dearly, along with so many other things—her correcting my grammar, hearing her laugh, taking me to lunch, making me peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, our holiday sleepovers, and most of all, celebrating our birthdays together since mine is May 21st and hers is May 22nd. Celebrating my birthday will never feel the same, but I know she will always be with me. I also feel incredibly fortunate to admire the mother she was to her three children—my amazing Dad and wonderful Aunts. She loved them so much. My Aunty M is such an incredible, inspirational, charismatic, devoted woman who took on a role of taking care of her mother that I feel not many others could do. She put in so much effort and love to help Grandma thrive for her last 8 months with us (of course with the help of her sister, my Aunt P). The family loves you so dearly Grandma, we will meet again soon. XOXO, Your Anna

Scott and Kathy Pivk Sep 19, 2024

Farmers insurance ,Sarasota ,Florida

Shirley was the sweetest person and needed to be to be married to Bob for so long! Always had a great lunch with them when we came back to KC. Rest in peace Shirley as you are in a better place looking down on your family and Friends

Sabra Shirrell Sep 19, 2024

Family friend ,Tecumseh ,Kansas

I have known Shirley and her family for over 40 years. I hired her daughter, MK, to be a teacher at TARC, in the 80's. MK got married at our house, and Bob and Shirley stayed there at our B & B. From the moment I met Shirley, I felt part of the family. My husband and I have shared many special occasions with the McGeary's, over the years. I feel especially blessed to have spent time with Shirley this past year, coming to visit her, do a little art therapy, and sharing special moments. Shirley, you will be greatly missed. It is an honor to have known you and have so many special memories.

Dorrel Service Sep 19, 2024

Neighbor and Friend of Patti ,Atlanta ,Georgia

RIP Mom Patti always sharing loving memories of you and Pictures of you with family and Beckham when she visted. Rest in Peace Beautiful Soul.

Christina Moreno Batrez Sep 19, 2024

So very sad to hear of Shirley's passing. She was my Brownie & Girl Scout leader for many years. Just like Kristen VanThullenar stated, she was the best! We did so much as a troop and traveled to many places. We were kind of "the bad news bears" type of troop....but always came in first for anything!!! I have life long memories I will cherish forever! Thank you for sharing her with me; she was a wonderful mentor and I learned alot from her!!

Dennis and Sharon Lorch Sep 19, 2024

Friends ,Advance ,Missouri

Many wonderful adventures shared together both in our great country and internationally. A very pleasant, and always, a lady.

Linda Schmidtlein Rohr Sep 20, 2024

Family cousin ,Topeka ,Kansas

Our prayers and sympathy to all of you. Your beautiful words do indeed reflect the gentle, bright and fun loving spirit that she was. I especially remember the twinkle in her eyes. All of us Schmidtleins’ looked forward to a visit from Aunt Kathryn and the McGeary family! May we honor her memory by choosing one of her attributes and continue to practice it in our daily lives. May she rest in God’s arms in the heavens above, celebrate with family and friends gone before and whisper comforting words to all of you. As Dad and Grandpa Schmidtlein would say: God Bless You.

Bob & Judy Barackman Sep 22, 2024

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

We knew Shirley through Farmers Insurance Group. She was a gracious lady and always had a big smile for anyone she met at the Farmers Insurance gatherings. There is no doubt that she is in heaven. We are so sorry for your loss.

Carmen Sivadge Sep 22, 2024

Family friend ,Mansfield ,Texas

I’m so sorry to hear the passing of Shirley. Erik and I first met Bob and Shirley soon after we moved to KC from Texas. Shirley was so sweet and immediately came like a second mother to me in my new home away from home. She even would babysit my newborn after he was born and was like another grandmother to Collin. I pray for comfort in this difficult time of losing Shirley in her earthly home. We praise God that she is settling in her new eternal home and we will rest knowing she is reborn and renewed! Prayers for you all! Carmen and Erik Sivadge

Elizabeth Vivona Sep 22, 2024

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

Shirley worked with my mom,Elena Fallon, at AMU for many years. Mom loved Shirley and trusted her immensely! She was so kind and sweet and so loyal. They had a lovely relationship and I always felt lucky that my mom worked with such a wonderful person. I am sure Mom was right there with open arms when she entered those pearly gates! May she rest in peace and my you, her family, find comfort in all the memories you cherish.

Diana Wilson(Higginbotham) Sep 23, 2024

Patty and family, I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Like many others Mrs. McGeary was my brownie and girlscout leader. Outside of troop activities, you could periodically find her in the halls of St. Agnes. There's always those few Mom's that seem to always be around, and she was one of them. She was always kind and helpful. Rest in peace Mrs. McGeary

Lisa Hughes Sep 23, 2024

Family friend ,Portland ,Oregon

So sorry for your loss. You described your mother well, she was a sweet soul. It was nice to read more about her accomplishments and the things that she enjoyed through her life. I had not seen Shirley for a few years, but knew through mom that she had been declining. It's a great gift that she was able to be cared for by family to the end.Our parents have been friends for many years and made many wonderful memories together. Be gentle with yourselves in your grief.

Sister Diane Steele Sep 23, 2024

Shirley was an amazing member of the class of ‘57. She lived the Saint Mary values to the end, always being of serve and doing with a smile. Until we meet again, Shirley. Your friends at Saint Mary, Sister Diane Steele

donna logan Sep 30, 2024

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Sorry for your loss, what a beautiful homily written for her. I know you all will miss her. Prayers Donna Logan

James Black Oct 07, 2024

Friend of Bob ,Lawrence ,Kansas

I only knew Shirley through the stories I heard from Bob. She sounded like a wonderful woman. I know Bob loved her very much. So sorry for your loss.

Daniel J Breitenstein Oct 18, 2024

friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I only met Shirley a couple of times recently, but I knew at first meeting that she was a special sweet lady. I only wish that I could have had the chance to have known her better. Rest in peace dear Shirley, and God Bless Bob and his family in their time of mourning.

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