Nova "Marie" Mawhirter

Nova “Marie” Mawhirter, 84, of Independence, MO went to be with her Lord on June 22, 2013. She was born on October 12, 1928 to Hazel and Glen Simpson of Denver, Colorado. She was the 4th of 5 children. She was preceded in death by her parents; her three brothers, Bill, Ernie and Ron; her husband, Philip R. Mawhirter, Jr.; and one grandson, Jonathan Mawhirter. She is survived by her four children, Rick and Mary Mawhirter, Karl Mawhirter, Mark and Pam Mawhirter, Laura and Glenn Harmon; grandchildren, Chad (Laura), Aaron, Christine (Ed) Stein, Christopher, Lukas (Chelse), Justin, Joshua, Sara, Mindy; eight great grandchildren; and one sister, Trudy Benefield; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Independence and a member of the Independence Eastern Star. She served on many committees and organizations within her church and community. She worked for many years beside her husband in his dental practice. Later, she would work for the University of Missouri, Kansas City Dental School as a research assistant for the testing of fluoride in toothpaste and other research trials at the dental school. She then moved over to being a secretary to the Deans of the dental school until her retirement in 1989. She lived at the Groves since 2004, first at White Oak and then at Rosewood where she was loved by many friends and staff. Marie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. A visitation will be held from 2-3:00 p.m. followed by a 3:00 p.m. memorial service on Saturday, June 29, at the First Presbyterian Church of Independence, 100 N. Pleasant, Independence, MO 64050. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Independence.