Mary Catherine "Cathy" Lairson

Mary Catherine “Cathy” Lairson, 63, of Garden City, MO, passed away on December 3rd, 2024 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO surrounded by loving family.

Cathy was born July 11th, 1961 in Independence, MO, the daughter of George VanMaele and Carol (Bingham) VanMaele.

Cathy graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1979, then went on to start her career. She worked various jobs over the years, and moved around to Kansas and California before settling back in Missouri where she met her husband. 

Cathy married Douglas Jay Lairson on April 9th, 1994 in Independence, MO. They had a loving marriage for 30 years. She went on to give birth to 1 child, and adopt 5 more. She was a very loving and devoted mother, rarely missing any events or activities in her children's lives. 

Cathy especially loved reading, planting flowers, and spending time with her family. She was well known in the community for having a big heart and being very compassionate to others. Her legacy is one of kindness and generosity. Even when sick or in pain, she never faltered in caring for her loved ones more than she did for herself. 

Remaining to cherish Cathy’s memory are spouse, Doug; children, Victoria Frazier (Jordan), Samuel Lairson (Sommer), Lucas Lairson, Cody Lairson, Rebecca Lairson, and Dylan Malkmus; grandchildren, Ashton Garcia, Aryia Yruegas, Carter Lairson, Wyatt Lairson, Axel Frazier, Weston Lairson, Alec Frazier, and Warren Lairson; siblings, Susan McKinley (Greg), Chris VanMaele, Julie VanMaele, and Marty VanMaele; sister's in law, Diana Malkmus and Denise Stucker; nieces and nephews, John Malkmus, Kevin Malkmus, Crystal Haling, Sabrina Smith, Justice Stucker, Andrew Stucker, Angela McKinley, Kyle VanMaele, Shelby VanMaele, Ben VanMaele, James McKinley, Kenzie Travers, and Alex McKinley

Preceding Cathy in death are parents, George and Carol VanMaele; and sister Karen VanMaele

Inurnment will be determined at a later date.

Cremation with a Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or Gunn City Christian Church Memorial Fund and send in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.