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Margaret “Meg” Helen (Latenser) Nicely, 53, passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was a fearless mother, adored daughter, loving sister and sister-in-law, caring aunt and genuine friend. 

Born November 20, 1970, Meg was the youngest of Barb and John’s 13 children. That status awarded her the coveted front seat armrest position between her mom and dad on the family’s annual camping trips, and in later years, she enjoyed her special “only child” relationship with her parents. Growing up in the "big house on Main Street," she attended nearby St. Elizabeth grade school, and in 1989 graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy. 

Meg brought her strong work ethic, boundless energy and radiant smile to her work, beginning with her first "real" job at Steve's Shoes in high school, then at Ringside Products, Butler Manufacturing, Red Bridge Elementary School, Center School District, and most recently as Executive Director of the Center Education Foundation. 

While working at Ringside, Meg had a chance encounter in 1992 with Ben Nicely, a fellow employee, that led to a first date, then marriage in 2000 and three beautiful children. Meg deeply loved her children, and her beautiful qualities live on in Donovan, Grant and Kate. Alongside Ben and continuing after their divorce, she instilled in them a zest for life, love of adventure and commitment to family and causes outside themselves. 

As her cousin David said, Meg loved like her mom and laughed like her dad. She had the gift of connecting with people in a joyful and intensely caring way and naturally made those around her feel loved, seen, and happy. She jumped at every chance to host friends and family and brought an exuberance to all gatherings, enthusiastically donning hats for Kentucky Derby parties, sporting team gear for watch parties, and ensuring plentiful strawberry daiquiris at the family Christmas Eve party. 

One of Meg’s favorite places was the family lake house in the Ozarks, a spot that has fostered happiness and deep connections within the extended Latenser clan for almost 40 years. As “The Lady of the Lake,” Meg relished every bit of her time there. She loved the misty sunrises, sunny afternoons on the dock and rainy nights on the porch. Her legendary “Meg McMuffins” became a breakfast tradition. We cherish the memories of our late-night discussions around the kitchen table, her laughter by the fire pit and the music of her Lake Playlist on the dock. She loved to explore the lake by boat and christened the pontoon “The Messer” in honor of the catchphrase her dad used when grandkids would try to put one over on him. We all knew to expect the “one more day” text at the scheduled end of her lake time, as she delayed her departure from the place that brought her so much joy.  

Meg’s humor and infectious laugh drew people to her. She shared the many beautiful parts of herself and invested fully in her numerous groups of friends and colleagues, as a non-reading but active participant in her neighborhood book club, a volunteer in her children's schools, a member of the Elks Lodge, and in her work. 

Meg was preceded in death by her parents, Barbara Ann (Marsee) and John Edward Latenser, her brother, James Patrick Latenser, her nieces Jessica Schmidt Fox and Monica Walter Lippold and nephew Benjamin Walter. Meg is survived by her children, Donovan, Grant, and Kate Nicely; Ben Nicely; 11 siblings Marcy Nelson, Mary Beth Schmidt, John (Mary) Latenser, Kathy (Terence) Glynn, Barbara (Larry) Yoksh, Sharon (Mike) Madrigal, Laura (Tom) Walter, Janet (Joe) Sommerhauser, Judy Latenser, Jeannie (Tim) Latenser, and Amy Latenser; sister-in-law, Ramona Latenser; 35 nieces and nephews and 35 great nieces and nephews.  

Meg was treasured and we miss her terribly. We hope you will join us in celebrating her remarkable life. In the past Meg had shared that she would want people to wear happy colors and treat her funeral as a celebration of life. To honor this wish and her sparkling personality we invite you to wear your happiest colors to her services. 

A rosary followed by a visitation will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 7500 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64114. 

 A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 7500 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64114. A private burial will follow. 

 In lieu of flowers, Meg's family invites you to consider donating to the Center Education Foundation: Meg Latenser Nicely Memorial Fund to support classroom teachers.