Mary Caroline Tichenor, born April 15, 1921 near Manchester, Kansas, to Walter Elmer Tichenor and Queenie Beach Tichenor, died July 16, 2011 at St Luke's Hospital. She was preceded in death by her mother October 8, 1928, her father on February 5, 1935, and stepmother, Elsie Jameson Tichenor on August 19, 1968. She is survived by a sister, Ruth Acker, of Portales, New Mexico, by Ruth's children David Acker (Patricia) of Lawrence, Kansas, Matthew Acker (Toni), and Sharon Acker of Portales, New Mexico, grandchildren Nathan Acker of Portales, NM and Chase Acker of Harrisburg, PA., one great-grandchild and by a half brother, James Tichenor (Aileen) of Mission, Kansas. Mary graduated from Emporia State Teacher College with a Bachelor of Science degree and earned a Certificate in Physical Therapy from KU. During World War II she was employed by Eastman Kodak Company. As a physical therapist she did testing work in connection with the introduction of the Salk polio vaccine. Later she spent several years as a Papal Volunteer in Brazil and became fluent in Portuguese. She retired from Rogers Health Center, Kansas City, MO. Her commitment to health research led her to donate her body to the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Mary was a very active member of St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church at 58th and Euclid Avenue, and considered the members as her family. She loved being a member of the Catholic music ministry "Sounds of Joy" for many years. The family wishes to thank Sister Helen Alder, Parish Nurse at St. Therese, for her friendship and care. She made it possible for Mary to attend Church after she could no longer drive. Thanks also to the staff of Kingswood and to all of the staff of St. Luke's Hospital, Third Floor East, for their loving care and kindness shown to Mary and her family. Special Mass Intentions will be offered for Mary at 9:15 AM on Sunday, August 21st, 2011 at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 5814 Euclid Avenue, KCMO 64130.

Published in Kansas City Star on August 2, 2011