Mary Rowell was born March 9, 1938 to Frank and Mary Elizabeth Mandacina in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the middle child of their three daughters; Ruth, Mary, and Kathy. She went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 88 on May 25, 2026 at her home in Kingswood Senior Living Community in Kansas City, Missouri. Mary attended Hogan High School in KCMO where she was the school newspaper’s News Editor for 3 years. She was in the National Honor Society, an organization dedicated to honor and encourage academic achievement while promoting leadership, character, and service. Mary attended Washburn University for one year then graduated with a teaching degree from Kansas City Junior College in 1959. Mary taught elementary school at St. Agnes in Fairway Kansas for several years, followed by 18 ½ years in the Kansas City Missouri school district. Both of Mary’s parents died by the early 80’s leaving guardianship to Mary of her younger sister, Kathy, who had Down Syndrome. Kathy was a joy to be around and Mary enjoyed their special bond of love. Mary retired from teaching in her mid-40’s to be a caregiver for her sister. Mary would meet her husband, Leroy Rowell, through a workshop that both Kathy and Leroy’s daughter, Berwyn, attended together.

Mary was married to Leroy Rowell on August 12, 1989 at Rockhill Baptist church and Kathy and Berwyn were bridesmaids. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy, and her sister, Kathy. Mary and Leroy were married just days short of 36 years. Mary and Leroy took Berwyn and Kathy to the Special Olympics at Fort Leonard Wood, camp, Job One workshop and special trips to Branson every October. The newly formed family became members of Colonial Presbyterian church and served in the Abounding Love ministry, for adults with developmental disabilities. The couple managed a thrift store for several years, taught Sunday school and served refreshments at Abounding Love, and wrote letters and made cards for missionaries and church members. Mary led the Patience Circle and provided cards and meals to church members and others in need. Mary had a servant heart! Mary Rowell had a special way of including everyone and making everyone feel special. Mary made friends everywhere she went including her final years at Kingswood Senior Living. Mary stayed active and involved in all kinds of activities throughout the years. Her favorite scriptures from the Bible were the 23rd Psalm in which we learn God provides guidance, comfort and protection, the 13th chapter of Corinthians which is commonly known as the “love chapter” which describes love as patient, kind and enduring and the story of Jesus providing for the needs of a crowd known commonly as the “story of loaves and fishes” which highlights Jesus’ compassion and ability to provide abundantly. Mary Rowell lived by all three of these Biblical principles, she knew she could trust God to care and provide for her needs and her role was to love, love God and love others. Well done, Mary Rowell, well done servant of our Lord Jesus Christ and his Church!

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Leroy, and sister, Kathy Mandacina. Mary is survived by her step daughter, Berwyn Rowell. A graveside service will be Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Forest Hill Cemetery KCMO at 9:00 am. There will be a Celebration of Life service at Kingswood Health Center in Kansas City, Missouri on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Simple Church Overland Park, 9316 W. 82nd Street Overland Park, KS 66204. Mary’s family and friends wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to the residents and caregivers at Kingswood Senior Living Community for their support and care over the years.