Martha Frances Pallanich

Martha Frances (Babe) Pallanich passed away on June 18 after 99 years and 11 months of a life filled with dignity, grace and zest. There will be a requiem mass at St Patrick?s Catholic Church in North Kansas City on Saturday, June 21 at 10:00AM followed by burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge, Kansas City, MO.

Babe was born in Kansas City, MO, on June 30, 1914, the fourth of six children and was a lifelong resident of the Kansas City area. Despite many suitors, Babe never married but enjoyed family including11 nieces and nephews, for whom she was an inspiration. Babe lived with and cared for her mother, Anna, and Father, Paul, until their deaths. Her brothers and sisters-Catherine, Freda, John (Bud), Marie and Paul- have all preceded her in death. Her nephews Jerry and Larry Paul also have passed away; Jerry had been especially close and cared for her during his lifetime and she missed him greatly.

She lived just north of downtown KC for over 40 years, surrounded by a wonderfully close-knit group of supportive neighbors before declining health forced her to relocate to Our Lady of Mercy Country Home at age 98. She was never one to complain and always focused on the good in her life and the gift of her many friendships.

A lifelong member of the Catholic Church, Babe took great solace from her faith, attending Mass and reciting the Rosary daily to the end of her life.

Babe loved to travel (often with her dear friend, Rose Koslucher) and had wonderful memories of trips to Sun Valley, Estes Park, Hawaii, Europe and other great locations which gave her outlets for her spirit of adventure. She often spoke of archery, ice skating, horseback riding and many outdoor activities from her trips. She made her first trip to Florida when she was 98, completing a goal to wade in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico!

Babe worked for the Nelly Don Clothing factory for most of her career until that company closed. She then spent some years working in the clothing operation of Hal Harden who had his start at Nelly Don and recognized her important talent from their association there. Babe had a wonderful sense of fashion and was remarkable for always dressing and accessorizing beautifully - often in clothes of her own design and making. She continued her love of fashion and art throughout her life, designing and sewing outfits for herself and others.

An avid and skillful bowler throughout her life, she was named Senior Bowler of the Year by the KC WIBC in 2009 at the age of 95!!

Babe was such an interesting and convivial person, one who had wonderful stories of her life and the early history of the Nelly Don Company, which was a major employer in Kansas City from the 1920s through the 1960s. She lived frugally but fully and was independent to the end. All who knew her loved her. She will be sorely missed and the world is a bit diminished by her passing.

She is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family as well as caring friends and neighbors. (Condolences may be left for the family at www.muehlebachchapel.com)