Mary Moore

Moore, Mary Jane (“Janie”), 79, died peacefully on December 9, 2016. A rosary service will be held at 7:30pm on Monday, December 12, 2016, with a funeral mass following at 10am on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, both at St. Thomas Catholic Church.

Born on June 28, 1937 to Col. Joseph H. and Justine O’Malley in Kansas City, MO, Janie had an adventurous childhood as an “army brat,” moving between military posts every 3 years in the US and abroad. Her first language was French when, at 6 months old, her family moved to Paris, a city she would call “home” on and off for the next 16 years. She graduated from the Paris American High School at 16 years old and continued her studies at the Sorbonne. She eventually returned to Kansas City to study nursing at St. Mary’s College of Nursing, from which she earned her degree in nursing.

While working as a surgical nurse in Kansas City, she met Dennis Moore, a young medical student, whom she married after 3 months and eventually celebrated 55 years of marriage until Dennis’ death on November 6, 2015.

Janie had many entertaining stories to tell about her family’s time abroad. While in Lima, Peru, her family befriended famed explorer Thor Heyerdahl. The family donated (somewhat eagerly) a Spanish-speaking foul-mouthed parrot to Mr. Heyerdahl’s trans-Pacific expedition. The family had received the loquacious bird as an eager gift from a local Maryknoll priest.

Her father’s time overseas allowed Janie and her family to spend time with several people whose names were not well-known at the time, including playing jacks on the floor with General James “Jimmy” Doolittle, going sightseeing with General George Patton and his family, and being tucked into bed by Eva Peron.

Janie led a charmed life and enjoyed every moment; however, she never lost sight of what was important – her family. Although she had a successful modeling career, she turned down an offer to sign with legendary model agent Eileen Ford and an acting role with Robert Redford in “The Great Waldo Pepper.” When her boys were old enough to attend school, she returned to nursing, working with her husband to serve the needs of cancer patients. Her compassion for service extended to the Junior League of Wichita, raising awareness about child abuse, which, at the time, was not discussed in polite society.

Janie is preceded in death by her infant sister Justine, her parents, and her other sisters Ann (White) and Susan (Lyons). Survivors include her brother Joe (Janet) O’Malley, her four sons, Dr. Dennis Jr. (Alexis Overcast), Dr. Tom (Joan Siefkes), Tim (Tracy O’Brien) and Mike (Kevin Pope). She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren, Dennis III, Joseph (Molly), Matthew, Kathleen, Stephen, Henry, Christine, Charlotte, Kimberly, Grace, Margaret, and Ian; and 1 great-grandchild, Penelope. She was deeply loved by all and will be especially missed by her sons. She loved her family, friends, and had a deep and abiding Catholic faith her entire life.

She was an inspiration of dignity, strength, and grace to her children and to everyone who knew her. She was very proud of her Irish Catholic background, her travel experiences, language skills and, most of all, her children.

Memorials have been established with the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County, 1211 S. Emporia, Wichita, KS 67211, The Lord’s Diner, Catholic Diocese of Wichita, 424 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202 and Music Theatre Wichita, 225 W. Douglas, Suite 202, Wichita, KS 67202. Share condolences at www.CozineMemorial.com. Services by Broadway Mortuary.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary

Time: 7:30pm, Monday, December 12, 2016 Place: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
1215 N. Stratford Lane, Wichita, KS 67206

Mass of Christian Burial

Time: 10:00am, Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Place: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
1215 N. Stratford Lane, Wichita, KS 67206

Burial

Place: Ascension Catholic Cemetery
7200 E. 45th Street, Bel Aire, KS 67226

Memorials

Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County
1211 S. Emporia
Wichita, KS 67211

The Lord's Diner
424 N. Broadway
Wichita, KS 67202

Music Theatre Wichita
225 W. Douglas, Suite 202
Wichita, KS 67202

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