Mary George

Mary George, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on December 1, 2023, in her hometown of Independence, Missouri. Born on June 3, 1923, in Cement City, Missouri, to Steve and Draginia (Polimac) Loncarevic, who immigrated from Sarajevo, Yugoslavia (Herzegovina), Mary's life was filled with love and warmth, and left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Mary moved to Independence when she was 10 years old.  When she started her career, Mary worked as an order filler for Montgomery Wards and gradually worked her way up to becoming a supervisor. Her dedication and commitment to her work were unparalleled. Even when faced with health challenges later in life, Mary continued to exemplify resilience and determination until she took a well-deserved medical retirement in 1986 after 28 years of work.

Outside of work, Mary cherished her family and enjoyed spending quality time with them. Some of her fondest memories were of visiting the family farm in Roscoe, Missouri on the weekends. She would often stay in a cozy cabin on the property they owned and bask in the tranquility of nature. In particular, Mary loved going to the lake and embracing the serenity it offered.

Mary was also a woman of great faith.  She was an active member of the Pacific Heights Congregation of Jehovah Witness in Independence.  She actively sought to bring people into her faith, and, when going door to door, once knocked on her granddaughter Tracey’s door without realizing she was in their neighborhood.  Until she passed, she held her beliefs close to her heart. 

A free spirit at heart, Mary had a unique tradition of going around barefoot. It was a testament to her carefree nature and an embodiment of her love for simplicity. She also had a generous spirit and always made sure to stock up on sale items from the store so she could have them on hand and give them to her beloved family members and those in need.

One of Mary's passions was reading. She voraciously devoured anything she could get her hands on but had a special affection for western books. It became a personal mission of hers to own every book Zane Graves published in hardback. Additionally, Mary found solace in tending to her rock and cacti gardens—a hobby that allowed her to connect with nature's enduring beauty.

In the kitchen, Mary was known for cooking up hot one-pot meals for her family and friends, but her specialty was povitica. Her povitica was simply divine, and she would often make sure to buy some from Strawberry Hill in Merriam, KS, as it brought her great joy to savor each mouthful.

Mary's impact on the lives of those around her cannot be overstated. She leaves behind a loving family who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. Mary is survived by her son, Dan George, granddaughter, Tracey (Tim) Boyle, and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her immediate family, Mary leaves behind a wide circle of friends who will always remember her infectious laughter and genuine warmth. Mary is preceded in passing by her beloved husband, Jack George, as well as her parents, Steve and Draginia Loncarevic, son, Jack L. George, grandson Dannie Lee George, and sisters, Ann Peterson and Frances Pfizer.

A Graveside Service honoring Mary's beautiful life will be held at 11:00 AM on December 6, 2023, at Floral Hills Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mary George lived a life filled with love and grace, forever impacting the lives of those around her. Her unwavering strength, kind heart, and zest for life will continue to inspire us all. May she rest in eternal peace as she reunites with loved ones who have gone before her.