Helen R. Mckee

Helen R. McKee, 91, a lifetime resident of Kansas City, Missouri, died July 10, 2022.Family meant everything to Helen. Her family has peace of mind that her final day was spent celebrating birthdays at her grandsons newly built home. It was a joyous day filled with individual conversations and many, many hugs from her great grandchildren. She died peacefully in her sleep that evening.

Helen was born September 25, 1930. She is preceded in death by her husband, Samuel D McKee III, married 52 years before his passing in 2002. She leaves 2 sisters, four children, 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Surviving sisters: Sister Ann Schorfheide CSJ and Mary Bolin. Surviving children: S. Dennis McKee IV, wife Kathy, their children, S. Dennis McKee V, wife Sarah; and Tara Kennison, husband Aaron. Theresa McKee, her children Kurt Meyers, wife Natalie, and Samantha Wilner, husband Jordan. Cheryl McKee, her daughter Alexandria Malloy, husband Alex. Jim McKee, wife Eileen, their children Amanda and Alyssa. She also leaves 10 great grandchildren: Blake, Lyla, Vivian, Benjamin, Finnegan, Willa, Oliver, Cecilia, Gracelyn and Baby Malloy.

Helen was an early entrepreneur starting her own home seamstress business in the1960s. The majority of her business was providing alterations. She also made many school uniforms, the first volleyball uniforms for Christ the King Elementary, bridesmaids dresses and a wedding dress for her daughter. She had the rare ability to envision the garment as a final product and not require the use of patterns. She shared her love of sewing by teaching sewing classes at Sion Grade School and Jewish Community Center. Her career included working at Baptist Medical Center in the Accounting office and Laboratory. She had pride in her work as the Laboratory Purchasing Agent. After her retirement she worked for Baptist Medical Center Early Childhood Center caring for many babies whose families still remember her today.

She was an active volunteer for STM funeral luncheons, STM More Friends Club, Seton Center, St. Joseph and Baptist Medical Center gift shops, Folly Theater, JCCC Carlsen Center, John Knox Village, Hogan Reunions, and Avila University.

Helen enjoyed traveling with her family. Summer days were spent camping in their yellow canvas tent in the Colorado mountains or at the lake enjoying their boat and water skiing. She and Sam were world travelers with many trips abroad to European and Asian countries.

A celebration of life will begin with a rosary at 10 am, Saturday July 23, at Our Lady of Presentation, 130 NW Murray Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64081, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. Private family burial. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to: Sisters of Saint Joseph, Kansas City Mission Advancement Office, 11901 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO 64145.