Janet Tucker Lillis

Janet Tucker Lillis died January 22, 2018 at home in Kansas City, Missouri after a brief illness. The Rosary will be prayed Friday, January 26th, 5:00 p.m. followed by visitation with the family 5:30-8:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeths Catholic Church, 2 East 75th Street, Kansas City, Missouri. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 27th, 10:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeths Catholic Church. Interment will be at Mount St. Marys Cemetery. Janet was born on May 31, 1941 to Cedric and Virginia (Byrne) Tucker in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1959 she graduated from Notre Dame de Sion High School having attended both the upper and lower school. She married her high school sweetheart, Mike Lillis, after he "sealed the deal" by introducing her to, then senator, John F. Kennedy. From that point on Janets life was all about faith, family, friends and the Democratic Party. She and Mike raised their five children to remember "the more the merrier," to always make room at the table for expected and unexpected guests alike. Janet welcomed any reason to gather with loved ones and any occasion was a reason to decorate and celebrate. For the last forty years Janet hosted a Mass and Open House on Christmas Eve and all were welcome. The McGee Family Reunion was under Janets direction for over forty years, making Janet an integral part of the family she married into.She loved her Church and believed a litany of Saints would intervene for any and all occasions. Janet lived her faith by a profound dedication to service for others. In addition to volunteering at St. Elizabeths for the PTA and Athletic Association, the Girl Scouts, Room Mother, Cafeteria Lady, Friendship Club, she also was a long-time volunteer at Redemptorist Social Service Center and St. James Food Kitchen. She also spent time working on the alumnae associations of Notre Dame de Sion and Rockhurst High School, which led to Janets love of Rockhurst and her being a true Rockhurst High School historian. Janet loved being Irish. Along with Freddie Wyrsch she was instrumental in getting the first permit for the Kansas City St. Patricks Day Parade to take place on March 17th. A member of the Daughters of Erin, Janet could be found riding in a golf cart at the front of every parade, enjoying the celebration of her Irish heritage. Janet knew no strangers. She was quick to pick up the phone and reach out to help others. Her house was warm and often full of people invited in to eat or celebrate or watch sports or cook together or plan events. She loved talking on the phone. She loved to check in with people to make sure they knew someone was thinking about them. Janet loved to keep up with the news and weather of the day and always offered an ear for what needed to be shared or lighten any load to bear. Janet was not only a good listener she also had valuable advice to share. She was loved and valued by all who counted her as a friend and confidant. A proud, life-long Democrat, Janet served as the 9th Ward Committeewoman for about 30 years. The Jackson County Democrat Committee awarded her the 2008 Harry S Truman award. She loved all things political and created a remarkable collection of political buttons and artifacts. The number of her campaign yard signs were legendary, leading people to say they just, "vote the Lillis yard." Janet worked every election and even volunteered when the 1976 Republican National Convention was held in Kansas City. A visit with Janet Lillis was de rigeur for most aspiring politicians in the area. We will always miss your phone calls, your humor, your patience and negotiating. She is preceded in death by her parents, Cedric and Virginia (Byrne) Tucker; her dear husband, T. Michael Lillis, and their son, Timothy P. Lillis. Survivors include her children, Carol, Sheila, John, and Cathleen, of Kansas City, and her cherished cousin, Fr. Luke Byrne, S.J., of St. Louis, Missouri, as well as a raft of loving relatives, near and far. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the T. Michael and Janet Lillis Scholarship at Rockhurst High School or the Timothy P. Lillis Scholarship at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
Rosary St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Friday, January 26, 2018

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

2 E 75th StreetKansas City, Missouri 64114
Directions Visitation St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Friday, January 26, 2018

5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

2 E 75th StreetKansas City, Missouri 64114
Directions Mass of Christian Burial St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Saturday, January 27, 2018

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

2 E 75th StreetKansas City, Missouri 64114
Directions Interment Mount St. Mary's Cemetery

Saturday, January 27, 2018

11:30 AM

2201 Cleveland AvenueKansas City, MO
Directions