MARY JOHANNA BAX METZ was born in Springfield, MO on September 9, 1938 to Lawrence Bax and Elizabeth Wyrsch Bax. She died peacefully with family at her side at Kansas City Hospice House on Monday evening, July 18, 2016.
After moving to Kansas City, Mary graduated from St. Mary's Grade School, Bishop Hogan High School and Avila University with an education degree.
She then taught at St. Elizabeth School, Hickman Mills School and later at St. Fabian School in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She married the love of her life, Roger Metz, in 1964 and they celebrated their 50th golden anniversary in 2014. In 1965, Mary moved with Roger to Houston, TX where he held a senior management position at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Subsequently, they moved to Grand Rapids, MI, Springfield, MO, Farmington Hills, MI, and returned to Kansas City in 1985 where he completed his management career at Menorah Medical Center and Truman Medical Center. During these career years with Roger, she was very active in volunteer activities with schools, churches and hospital auxiliaries. A superb hostess, she prepared many meals for family and friends and was renowned for her cowboy cookies.
While still in Michigan, Mary completed her master's degree in gifted education from Michigan State University. After moving back to Kansas City, she served 19 years as Coordinator of Gifted Education with the Grandview School District. Upon her retirement, she was recognized as "Championing, Advocating for, and Teaching Gifted Education."
She is survived by her husband, Roger, daughter Molly Metz Kurt and son-in-law John Kurt of Park Ridge, IL, daughter Jennifer Metz Maxwell and son-in-law Brian Maxwell of Edmond, OK, and son Roger Metz, Jr. and daughter-in-law Monica Davis Metz of Littleton, CO. Her ten "Royal" grandchildren include Caroline, John Patrick, Michael and Thomas Kurt; Elizabeth, Charles and Henry Maxwell; and William, Andrew and Katherine Metz. Her five brothers include twin brother Larry Bax of Richardson, TX, Tom Bax of Leawood, KS, Frank Bax of Arlington, VA, John Bax of Incline Village, NV and Steve Bax of Denver, CO. She is also survived by four sisters-in-law, numerous nephews and nieces, and many cousins. Mary's deceased parents were Lawrence and Elizabeth Bax. Her son Patrick Joseph Metz and her granddaughter, Mary Grace Kurt, both died shortly after birth. The family also remembers Mary's deceased nephew, Jason Bax, and niece Janet Bax.
Her services will be held Saturday morning, July 23, 2016 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, in Leawood, KS with the visitation starting at 9:30 AM and the Rosary being prayed at 10:30 AM. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon following in Porter Hall at the Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, MO after the luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kansas City Hospice House, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Ladies of Charity or the charity of choice. The family wishes to acknowledge the kind and compassionate end-of-life care provided by Dr. Jay Riseman and the staff of the Kansas City Hospice House. (Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arrangements: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS (913) 438-6444
(Autobiography by Mary Metz)
Funeral Homily for Mary Metz July 23, 2016
I would like to begin by extending my heart-felt sympathy to Roger, Molly, Jennifer, Roger and to all the 10 grandchildren known as the Royal grandchildren: they all have such Royal traditional names: Caroline, John, Michael, Thomas, Elizabeth, Charles, Henry, William, Andrew, and Katherine. I also want to extend condolences to Mary's 5 brothers: Larry, Tom, Frank, John, and Steve and to all the family and friends gathered here know that you have the prayers and support of our St. Michael parish community.
Roger and Mary moved out here and joined the parish 3 years ago when I arrived and you have become so connected and integrated and such an important family in our parish. The presence of so many here today from our parish speaks of the impact you have had on our community.
We gather today to pray for Mary's soul. We pray that God will forgive her of any sins she committed out of human weakness and bring her soul to heaven. At each Mass we also give thanks-in special way today we thank God for the gift of Mary's life and the way she touched the hearts of all those here present.
When I met with Roger and Jennifer this week, Jennifer said family was central to her mother's life. Mary was a beloved wife. She and Roger celebrated 52 years of marriage together. What a beautiful witness to our world of God's love for us – a love that is faithful and committed. Roger on your wedding day you promised to love Mary in good times and in bad in sickness and in health and you have so beautifully lived the vocation to marriage. Thank you for your own witness of love as you have been there right by Mary's side especially these last 7 months as her health declined.
The fruit of your love was your three children. Mary was a devoted mother doing all the things that mom's do that perhaps we so easily take for granted. The apple of her eye were her 10 grandchildren. She took an interest in everything they did. Ultimately love is about losing yourself for others and that's really the way Mary lived her life.
Because of original sin, we often turn inward and our inclination is to just care about ourselves and our needs to the point that we become inattentive to the needs of others. The family chose this gospel today because Mary was attentive to the needs of others. She practiced those corporal works of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked...She was a great host, a welcoming person, she was attentive to details because she wanted everything to be just right for her guests. Even from her bed at the hospice house she was emailing Molly instructions of how to prepare for a BBQ. Hospitality is a great gift and an act of charity as one who excels in this gift is so attentive to making sure each guest has everything he or she needs.
Growing up Molly, Jennifer, and Roger's friends knew that there was an open door at the Metz house. Friends, neighbors, family were welcome. One of Mary's specialties was making cowboy cookies. Can you imagine the number of people Mary fed and served? And the gospel reminds us that in doing so we serve Christ himself. Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters you do unto me.
Mary also will be remembered for her gift of teaching. She taught for 19 years in the gifted program for the Grandview, MO School district. She was recognized for championing, advocating, and teaching gifted children.
One of the most important lessons Mary taught us was how to embrace the cross. In our first reading, we hear that sometimes we feel like gold placed in the furnace but it through the fire that the gold is purified and proven. Faced with the cross, we really have 2 basic choices – we can either grow bitter or we can grow better. One scripture I go back to often in my own life is Romans 8:28 – St. Paul says - “all things work for good for those who love God.” All things work for our good, even the trials and difficulties we face. When Mary was diagnosed with cancer she did not grow bitter or despair, but she grew better. In the face of his cross, she never lost her peace, her gentleness. She was always gracious, so thankful for people's visits, appreciative of all those that helped her and grateful of each person that visited.
God can use the cross to make us realize what's really important in life and to help us remember our life is in God's hands. We are not in control. And the cross can bring about a deepening faith. I saw this happen in Mary's life. What gave Mary that ultimate sense of peace? -Her faith in Jesus. Mary used her final months to prepare well. She received the last sacraments of the church. That always gives us peace knowing that someone died in the graces of the Church and we know Mary was truly prepared to see God face to face.
In Mary's final moments Molly and Jennifer sang “Be Not Afraid;” Mary was not afraid. She knew Jesus was waiting. They sang, “You are Mine.” Mary knew that just as life she belonged to the Lord so death she would belong to the Lord. Well done good and faithful servant: “Come you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Eternal rest...
Father Brian Schieber, Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Leawood, Kansas
After moving to Kansas City, Mary graduated from St. Mary's Grade School, Bishop Hogan High School and Avila University with an education degree.
She then taught at St. Elizabeth School, Hickman Mills School and later at St. Fabian School in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She married the love of her life, Roger Metz, in 1964 and they celebrated their 50th golden anniversary in 2014. In 1965, Mary moved with Roger to Houston, TX where he held a senior management position at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Subsequently, they moved to Grand Rapids, MI, Springfield, MO, Farmington Hills, MI, and returned to Kansas City in 1985 where he completed his management career at Menorah Medical Center and Truman Medical Center. During these career years with Roger, she was very active in volunteer activities with schools, churches and hospital auxiliaries. A superb hostess, she prepared many meals for family and friends and was renowned for her cowboy cookies.
While still in Michigan, Mary completed her master's degree in gifted education from Michigan State University. After moving back to Kansas City, she served 19 years as Coordinator of Gifted Education with the Grandview School District. Upon her retirement, she was recognized as "Championing, Advocating for, and Teaching Gifted Education."
She is survived by her husband, Roger, daughter Molly Metz Kurt and son-in-law John Kurt of Park Ridge, IL, daughter Jennifer Metz Maxwell and son-in-law Brian Maxwell of Edmond, OK, and son Roger Metz, Jr. and daughter-in-law Monica Davis Metz of Littleton, CO. Her ten "Royal" grandchildren include Caroline, John Patrick, Michael and Thomas Kurt; Elizabeth, Charles and Henry Maxwell; and William, Andrew and Katherine Metz. Her five brothers include twin brother Larry Bax of Richardson, TX, Tom Bax of Leawood, KS, Frank Bax of Arlington, VA, John Bax of Incline Village, NV and Steve Bax of Denver, CO. She is also survived by four sisters-in-law, numerous nephews and nieces, and many cousins. Mary's deceased parents were Lawrence and Elizabeth Bax. Her son Patrick Joseph Metz and her granddaughter, Mary Grace Kurt, both died shortly after birth. The family also remembers Mary's deceased nephew, Jason Bax, and niece Janet Bax.
Her services will be held Saturday morning, July 23, 2016 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, in Leawood, KS with the visitation starting at 9:30 AM and the Rosary being prayed at 10:30 AM. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon following in Porter Hall at the Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, MO after the luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kansas City Hospice House, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Ladies of Charity or the charity of choice. The family wishes to acknowledge the kind and compassionate end-of-life care provided by Dr. Jay Riseman and the staff of the Kansas City Hospice House. (Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arrangements: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS (913) 438-6444
(Autobiography by Mary Metz)
Funeral Homily for Mary Metz July 23, 2016
I would like to begin by extending my heart-felt sympathy to Roger, Molly, Jennifer, Roger and to all the 10 grandchildren known as the Royal grandchildren: they all have such Royal traditional names: Caroline, John, Michael, Thomas, Elizabeth, Charles, Henry, William, Andrew, and Katherine. I also want to extend condolences to Mary's 5 brothers: Larry, Tom, Frank, John, and Steve and to all the family and friends gathered here know that you have the prayers and support of our St. Michael parish community.
Roger and Mary moved out here and joined the parish 3 years ago when I arrived and you have become so connected and integrated and such an important family in our parish. The presence of so many here today from our parish speaks of the impact you have had on our community.
We gather today to pray for Mary's soul. We pray that God will forgive her of any sins she committed out of human weakness and bring her soul to heaven. At each Mass we also give thanks-in special way today we thank God for the gift of Mary's life and the way she touched the hearts of all those here present.
When I met with Roger and Jennifer this week, Jennifer said family was central to her mother's life. Mary was a beloved wife. She and Roger celebrated 52 years of marriage together. What a beautiful witness to our world of God's love for us – a love that is faithful and committed. Roger on your wedding day you promised to love Mary in good times and in bad in sickness and in health and you have so beautifully lived the vocation to marriage. Thank you for your own witness of love as you have been there right by Mary's side especially these last 7 months as her health declined.
The fruit of your love was your three children. Mary was a devoted mother doing all the things that mom's do that perhaps we so easily take for granted. The apple of her eye were her 10 grandchildren. She took an interest in everything they did. Ultimately love is about losing yourself for others and that's really the way Mary lived her life.
Because of original sin, we often turn inward and our inclination is to just care about ourselves and our needs to the point that we become inattentive to the needs of others. The family chose this gospel today because Mary was attentive to the needs of others. She practiced those corporal works of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked...She was a great host, a welcoming person, she was attentive to details because she wanted everything to be just right for her guests. Even from her bed at the hospice house she was emailing Molly instructions of how to prepare for a BBQ. Hospitality is a great gift and an act of charity as one who excels in this gift is so attentive to making sure each guest has everything he or she needs.
Growing up Molly, Jennifer, and Roger's friends knew that there was an open door at the Metz house. Friends, neighbors, family were welcome. One of Mary's specialties was making cowboy cookies. Can you imagine the number of people Mary fed and served? And the gospel reminds us that in doing so we serve Christ himself. Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters you do unto me.
Mary also will be remembered for her gift of teaching. She taught for 19 years in the gifted program for the Grandview, MO School district. She was recognized for championing, advocating, and teaching gifted children.
One of the most important lessons Mary taught us was how to embrace the cross. In our first reading, we hear that sometimes we feel like gold placed in the furnace but it through the fire that the gold is purified and proven. Faced with the cross, we really have 2 basic choices – we can either grow bitter or we can grow better. One scripture I go back to often in my own life is Romans 8:28 – St. Paul says - “all things work for good for those who love God.” All things work for our good, even the trials and difficulties we face. When Mary was diagnosed with cancer she did not grow bitter or despair, but she grew better. In the face of his cross, she never lost her peace, her gentleness. She was always gracious, so thankful for people's visits, appreciative of all those that helped her and grateful of each person that visited.
God can use the cross to make us realize what's really important in life and to help us remember our life is in God's hands. We are not in control. And the cross can bring about a deepening faith. I saw this happen in Mary's life. What gave Mary that ultimate sense of peace? -Her faith in Jesus. Mary used her final months to prepare well. She received the last sacraments of the church. That always gives us peace knowing that someone died in the graces of the Church and we know Mary was truly prepared to see God face to face.
In Mary's final moments Molly and Jennifer sang “Be Not Afraid;” Mary was not afraid. She knew Jesus was waiting. They sang, “You are Mine.” Mary knew that just as life she belonged to the Lord so death she would belong to the Lord. Well done good and faithful servant: “Come you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Eternal rest...
Father Brian Schieber, Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Leawood, Kansas
MARY JOHANNA BAX METZ was born in Springfield, MO on September 9, 1938 to Lawrence Bax and Elizabeth Wyrsch Bax. She died peacefully with family at her side at Kansas City Hospice House on Monday evening, July 18, 2016.
After moving to Kansas City, Mary graduated from St. Mary's Grade School, Bishop Hogan High School and Avila University with an education degree.
She then taught at St. Elizabeth School, Hickman Mills School and later at St. Fabian School in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She married the love of her life, Roger Metz, in 1964 and they celebrated their 50th golden anniversary in 2014. In 1965, Mary moved with Roger to Houston, TX where he held a senior management position at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Subsequently, they moved to Grand Rapids, MI, Springfield, MO, Farmington Hills, MI, and returned to Kansas City in 1985 where he completed his management career at Menorah Medical Center and Truman Medical Center. During these career years with Roger, she was very active in volunteer activities with schools, churches and hospital auxiliaries. A superb hostess, she prepared many meals for family and friends and was renowned for her cowboy cookies.
While still in Michigan, Mary completed her master's degree in gifted education from Michigan State University. After moving back to Kansas City, she served 19 years as Coordinator of Gifted Education with the Grandview School District. Upon her retirement, she was recognized as "Championing, Advocating for, and Teaching Gifted Education."
She is survived by her husband, Roger, daughter Molly Metz Kurt and son-in-law John Kurt of Park Ridge, IL, daughter Jennifer Metz Maxwell and son-in-law Brian Maxwell of Edmond, OK, and son Roger Metz, Jr. and daughter-in-law Monica Davis Metz of Littleton, CO. Her ten "Royal" grandchildren include Caroline, John Patrick, Michael and Thomas Kurt; Elizabeth, Charles and Henry Maxwell; and William, Andrew and Katherine Metz. Her five brothers include twin brother Larry Bax of Richardson, TX, Tom Bax of Leawood, KS, Frank Bax of Arlington, VA, John Bax of Incline Village, NV and Steve Bax of Denver, CO. She is also survived by four sisters-in-law, numerous nephews and nieces, and many cousins. Mary's deceased parents were Lawrence and Elizabeth Bax. Her son Patrick Joseph Metz and her granddaughter, Mary Grace Kurt, both died shortly after birth. The family also remembers Mary's deceased nephew, Jason Bax, and niece Janet Bax.
Her services will be held Saturday morning, July 23, 2016 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, in Leawood, KS with the visitation starting at 9:30 AM and the Rosary being prayed at 10:30 AM. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon following in Porter Hall at the Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, MO after the luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kansas City Hospice House, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Ladies of Charity or the charity of choice. The family wishes to acknowledge the kind and compassionate end-of-life care provided by Dr. Jay Riseman and the staff of the Kansas City Hospice House. (Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arrangements: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS (913) 438-6444
(Autobiography by Mary Metz)
Funeral Homily for Mary Metz July 23, 2016
I would like to begin by extending my heart-felt sympathy to Roger, Molly, Jennifer, Roger and to all the 10 grandchildren known as the Royal grandchildren: they all have such Royal traditional names: Caroline, John, Michael, Thomas, Elizabeth, Charles, Henry, William, Andrew, and Katherine. I also want to extend condolences to Mary's 5 brothers: Larry, Tom, Frank, John, and Steve and to all the family and friends gathered here know that you have the prayers and support of our St. Michael parish community.
Roger and Mary moved out here and joined the parish 3 years ago when I arrived and you have become so connected and integrated and such an important family in our parish. The presence of so many here today from our parish speaks of the impact you have had on our community.
We gather today to pray for Mary's soul. We pray that God will forgive her of any sins she committed out of human weakness and bring her soul to heaven. At each Mass we also give thanks-in special way today we thank God for the gift of Mary's life and the way she touched the hearts of all those here present.
When I met with Roger and Jennifer this week, Jennifer said family was central to her mother's life. Mary was a beloved wife. She and Roger celebrated 52 years of marriage together. What a beautiful witness to our world of God's love for us – a love that is faithful and committed. Roger on your wedding day you promised to love Mary in good times and in bad in sickness and in health and you have so beautifully lived the vocation to marriage. Thank you for your own witness of love as you have been there right by Mary's side especially these last 7 months as her health declined.
The fruit of your love was your three children. Mary was a devoted mother doing all the things that mom's do that perhaps we so easily take for granted. The apple of her eye were her 10 grandchildren. She took an interest in everything they did. Ultimately love is about losing yourself for others and that's really the way Mary lived her life.
Because of original sin, we often turn inward and our inclination is to just care about ourselves and our needs to the point that we become inattentive to the needs of others. The family chose this gospel today because Mary was attentive to the needs of others. She practiced those corporal works of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked...She was a great host, a welcoming person, she was attentive to details because she wanted everything to be just right for her guests. Even from her bed at the hospice house she was emailing Molly instructions of how to prepare for a BBQ. Hospitality is a great gift and an act of charity as one who excels in this gift is so attentive to making sure each guest has everything he or she needs.
Growing up Molly, Jennifer, and Roger's friends knew that there was an open door at the Metz house. Friends, neighbors, family were welcome. One of Mary's specialties was making cowboy cookies. Can you imagine the number of people Mary fed and served? And the gospel reminds us that in doing so we serve Christ himself. Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters you do unto me.
Mary also will be remembered for her gift of teaching. She taught for 19 years in the gifted program for the Grandview, MO School district. She was recognized for championing, advocating, and teaching gifted children.
One of the most important lessons Mary taught us was how to embrace the cross. In our first reading, we hear that sometimes we feel like gold placed in the furnace but it through the fire that the gold is purified and proven. Faced with the cross, we really have 2 basic choices – we can either grow bitter or we can grow better. One scripture I go back to often in my own life is Romans 8:28 – St. Paul says - “all things work for good for those who love God.” All things work for our good, even the trials and difficulties we face. When Mary was diagnosed with cancer she did not grow bitter or despair, but she grew better. In the face of his cross, she never lost her peace, her gentleness. She was always gracious, so thankful for people's visits, appreciative of all those that helped her and grateful of each person that visited.
God can use the cross to make us realize what's really important in life and to help us remember our life is in God's hands. We are not in control. And the cross can bring about a deepening faith. I saw this happen in Mary's life. What gave Mary that ultimate sense of peace? -Her faith in Jesus. Mary used her final months to prepare well. She received the last sacraments of the church. That always gives us peace knowing that someone died in the graces of the Church and we know Mary was truly prepared to see God face to face.
In Mary's final moments Molly and Jennifer sang “Be Not Afraid;” Mary was not afraid. She knew Jesus was waiting. They sang, “You are Mine.” Mary knew that just as life she belonged to the Lord so death she would belong to the Lord. Well done good and faithful servant: “Come you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Eternal rest...
Father Brian Schieber, Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Leawood, Kansas
After moving to Kansas City, Mary graduated from St. Mary's Grade School, Bishop Hogan High School and Avila University with an education degree.
She then taught at St. Elizabeth School, Hickman Mills School and later at St. Fabian School in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She married the love of her life, Roger Metz, in 1964 and they celebrated their 50th golden anniversary in 2014. In 1965, Mary moved with Roger to Houston, TX where he held a senior management position at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Subsequently, they moved to Grand Rapids, MI, Springfield, MO, Farmington Hills, MI, and returned to Kansas City in 1985 where he completed his management career at Menorah Medical Center and Truman Medical Center. During these career years with Roger, she was very active in volunteer activities with schools, churches and hospital auxiliaries. A superb hostess, she prepared many meals for family and friends and was renowned for her cowboy cookies.
While still in Michigan, Mary completed her master's degree in gifted education from Michigan State University. After moving back to Kansas City, she served 19 years as Coordinator of Gifted Education with the Grandview School District. Upon her retirement, she was recognized as "Championing, Advocating for, and Teaching Gifted Education."
She is survived by her husband, Roger, daughter Molly Metz Kurt and son-in-law John Kurt of Park Ridge, IL, daughter Jennifer Metz Maxwell and son-in-law Brian Maxwell of Edmond, OK, and son Roger Metz, Jr. and daughter-in-law Monica Davis Metz of Littleton, CO. Her ten "Royal" grandchildren include Caroline, John Patrick, Michael and Thomas Kurt; Elizabeth, Charles and Henry Maxwell; and William, Andrew and Katherine Metz. Her five brothers include twin brother Larry Bax of Richardson, TX, Tom Bax of Leawood, KS, Frank Bax of Arlington, VA, John Bax of Incline Village, NV and Steve Bax of Denver, CO. She is also survived by four sisters-in-law, numerous nephews and nieces, and many cousins. Mary's deceased parents were Lawrence and Elizabeth Bax. Her son Patrick Joseph Metz and her granddaughter, Mary Grace Kurt, both died shortly after birth. The family also remembers Mary's deceased nephew, Jason Bax, and niece Janet Bax.
Her services will be held Saturday morning, July 23, 2016 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, in Leawood, KS with the visitation starting at 9:30 AM and the Rosary being prayed at 10:30 AM. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon following in Porter Hall at the Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, MO after the luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kansas City Hospice House, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Ladies of Charity or the charity of choice. The family wishes to acknowledge the kind and compassionate end-of-life care provided by Dr. Jay Riseman and the staff of the Kansas City Hospice House. (Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arrangements: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS (913) 438-6444
(Autobiography by Mary Metz)
Funeral Homily for Mary Metz July 23, 2016
I would like to begin by extending my heart-felt sympathy to Roger, Molly, Jennifer, Roger and to all the 10 grandchildren known as the Royal grandchildren: they all have such Royal traditional names: Caroline, John, Michael, Thomas, Elizabeth, Charles, Henry, William, Andrew, and Katherine. I also want to extend condolences to Mary's 5 brothers: Larry, Tom, Frank, John, and Steve and to all the family and friends gathered here know that you have the prayers and support of our St. Michael parish community.
Roger and Mary moved out here and joined the parish 3 years ago when I arrived and you have become so connected and integrated and such an important family in our parish. The presence of so many here today from our parish speaks of the impact you have had on our community.
We gather today to pray for Mary's soul. We pray that God will forgive her of any sins she committed out of human weakness and bring her soul to heaven. At each Mass we also give thanks-in special way today we thank God for the gift of Mary's life and the way she touched the hearts of all those here present.
When I met with Roger and Jennifer this week, Jennifer said family was central to her mother's life. Mary was a beloved wife. She and Roger celebrated 52 years of marriage together. What a beautiful witness to our world of God's love for us – a love that is faithful and committed. Roger on your wedding day you promised to love Mary in good times and in bad in sickness and in health and you have so beautifully lived the vocation to marriage. Thank you for your own witness of love as you have been there right by Mary's side especially these last 7 months as her health declined.
The fruit of your love was your three children. Mary was a devoted mother doing all the things that mom's do that perhaps we so easily take for granted. The apple of her eye were her 10 grandchildren. She took an interest in everything they did. Ultimately love is about losing yourself for others and that's really the way Mary lived her life.
Because of original sin, we often turn inward and our inclination is to just care about ourselves and our needs to the point that we become inattentive to the needs of others. The family chose this gospel today because Mary was attentive to the needs of others. She practiced those corporal works of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked...She was a great host, a welcoming person, she was attentive to details because she wanted everything to be just right for her guests. Even from her bed at the hospice house she was emailing Molly instructions of how to prepare for a BBQ. Hospitality is a great gift and an act of charity as one who excels in this gift is so attentive to making sure each guest has everything he or she needs.
Growing up Molly, Jennifer, and Roger's friends knew that there was an open door at the Metz house. Friends, neighbors, family were welcome. One of Mary's specialties was making cowboy cookies. Can you imagine the number of people Mary fed and served? And the gospel reminds us that in doing so we serve Christ himself. Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters you do unto me.
Mary also will be remembered for her gift of teaching. She taught for 19 years in the gifted program for the Grandview, MO School district. She was recognized for championing, advocating, and teaching gifted children.
One of the most important lessons Mary taught us was how to embrace the cross. In our first reading, we hear that sometimes we feel like gold placed in the furnace but it through the fire that the gold is purified and proven. Faced with the cross, we really have 2 basic choices – we can either grow bitter or we can grow better. One scripture I go back to often in my own life is Romans 8:28 – St. Paul says - “all things work for good for those who love God.” All things work for our good, even the trials and difficulties we face. When Mary was diagnosed with cancer she did not grow bitter or despair, but she grew better. In the face of his cross, she never lost her peace, her gentleness. She was always gracious, so thankful for people's visits, appreciative of all those that helped her and grateful of each person that visited.
God can use the cross to make us realize what's really important in life and to help us remember our life is in God's hands. We are not in control. And the cross can bring about a deepening faith. I saw this happen in Mary's life. What gave Mary that ultimate sense of peace? -Her faith in Jesus. Mary used her final months to prepare well. She received the last sacraments of the church. That always gives us peace knowing that someone died in the graces of the Church and we know Mary was truly prepared to see God face to face.
In Mary's final moments Molly and Jennifer sang “Be Not Afraid;” Mary was not afraid. She knew Jesus was waiting. They sang, “You are Mine.” Mary knew that just as life she belonged to the Lord so death she would belong to the Lord. Well done good and faithful servant: “Come you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Eternal rest...
Father Brian Schieber, Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Leawood, Kansas
