Shirley Christine Mandina, 74, died peacefully with her family at her side on Friday, January 29, 2021 in Oak Grove, MO. She was born October 26, 1946 to Charles and Alma Ebert of Kansas City MO.
Shirley was the only girl of 5 children and the baby of the family with 4 older brothers. She graduated from Glennon High School in 1965. Shirley was united in marriage to the love of her life Bill Mandina Jr. on November 6, 1965 in Kansas City, MO and they eventually settled in Blue Springs MO where they raised their 5 amazing children. She was a homemaker until her youngest child went to grade school and then she worked for the Blue Springs School District as a lunch lady. Shirley loved the Lord so much and every morning you could catch her praying and reading her Bible at the kitchen table. She was always involved with church and was instrumental in bringing the St Joseph’s Table to St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Shirley had the ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the world and she gave you her undivided attention. She performed many miracles of feeding the entire neighborhood with just enough food for her family, not only did everyone get something to eat but there were always leftovers.
Shirley loved her family so much and once you met her, you were considered family from that moment on. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother that loved to laugh and have a good time. Shirley attended every picnic, parade, wedding, funeral etc that she was ever invited to. She taught us all so much but her greatest gift was her ability to listen. No matter how many times she heard a story she acted as if it was the first time she’d ever heard it. Shirley’s kindness has left a mark on humanity and we are all better for knowing her!!
Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Bill Mandina Jr.; daughter, Angie Martell and her children with Dan; Sam, Max and Mary of Blue Springs MO; son, Billy Mandina and his wife Tammy and children Natalie and Nicolas of Lee’s Summit MO; son, Charlie Mandina and his wife Lindsay and children Alyssa and Anthony of Grain Valley MO, son, Frank Mandina and his wife Jenny and children Frankie, Mallory, Daniel and Annabelle of Grain Valley MO, daughter, Mary Packer and her husband Brian and children Madison, Alex and Joey of Grain Valley MO; brothers, Raymond Ebert of Grain Valley, MO, Jerry Ebert of Raytown, MO. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Alma Ebert; brothers, Donald and Robert Ebert.
The family will receive friends and family from 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2021, with the Rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 4313 S.W. State Route 7, Blue Springs, MO. Eulogy will begin at 10:45 a.m. Friday, February 5, 2021, with Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Reverend Richard Rocha will be presiding. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Catholic Charities of Kansas City – St. Joseph, 4001 Blue Pkwy #250, Kansas City, MO 64130. A private family graveside service will follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of Shirley and words of comfort for her family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Shirley was such a beautiful woman, both physically and spiritually. She truly loved her family and her church. I feel blessed to have known her.
My heart goes out to Bill and all of his kids and all of the grandkids I know she will be missed she was a wonderful mother wife and grandmother I loved being around her she always made me laugh. She was the most wonderful person you would ever want to know.
Prayers for all the family. Shirley was a beautiful positive lady who gave her all to whatever and whoever came her way. May sweet memories of this amazing woman linger in your hearts.
I went to Glennon with Shirley, she always had a smile and was always so kind; just a beautiful person.
Peace and love to her family in the coming days.
Prayers for your family during this difficult time! We all know that she is with Christ.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you grieve Shirley’s passing. We got to know her at the OGNR when Mary shared a room with her for some months. Shirley was a lovely lady and always smiled and laughed. We visited with Bill frequently when he visited with Shirley. It was obvious that they had a lifetime relationship of love and devotion to each other. May the peace of God’s love see you through these difficult times.
Shirley exuded a love, vibrant energy, and an adoration for The Holy Trinity that was very special and admired by all who knew her. She will be missed in our World and welcomed to the next.
To her family, I am so very sorry for your loss.