Mary Lou Franko, 80, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Primrose Retirement Community, where she lived with her devoted husband, John Franko.
Mary was born in September of 1945, in Onaga, Kansas, to Noel and Helen McKee. She was raised on the family farm in Havensville, KS with her three sisters. Where she developed the strong work ethic and caring spirit that would define her life.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Noel and Helen McKee; her son, David Duncan; her sister, Floy and brother-in-law Ron Keithley; and her grandsons, Jonathan Duncan and Daniel Duncan.
She is survived by her loving husband, John Franko; her son, Kenneth (Nicole) Duncan; her daughters, Michelle (Ernesto) Garcia and Maria Franko; her daughter-in-law, Donna Duncan; her sisters, Jean (Jerry) Myers and Doris (Charlie) Doblebower; as well as 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, along with cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, who will cherish her memory.
Mary earned a Bachelor’s degree of Nursing and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Kansas. She worked as a nurse for many years, before transitioning into teaching. She enjoyed mentoring nursing students at Research Medical Center and Kansas City Kansas Community College Technical Education Center. Her favorite areas of nursing were OB (delivery), welcoming new life into the world, and Hospice Care, offering caring support to patients and families navigating the end-of-life journey.
Being active members of Church of the Redeemer, Mary and John spent a good deal of social time with fellow church members. In her retirement, Mary participated in the women’s group at church, as well as leading the Stephen Ministries grief support group.
In her quieter moments, she enjoyed reading and watching her favorite medical and crime dramas. Supported in life by her loving husband John, together, they blended families, and devoted much of their time to their children and grandchildren. Family get-togethers at their lake house were a highlight almost every month, celebrating birthdays and the big 4th of July celebration, for many years.
Mary will be remembered for her caring heart, her dedication to helping others, and the love she shared with her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched as a nurse, teacher, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer (7110 N MO-9, Kansas City, MO 64152) at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to honor Mary by making a donation to one of the following organizations that were meaningful to her:
Northland Infant Clothing Center
7110 N MO-9
Kansas City, MO 64152
https://www.redeemerkc.org/northland-infant-clothing-center
S.P.E.A.C. – Southern Platte Emergency Assistance Center (SPEAC Food Pantry)
819 Main Street
Parkville, MO 64152
https://www.speacpantry.com
We love you so much, Mary. You will forever remain in our hearts.
