Mary Roland

Mary Alice Roland, (née Wynne), 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at Edward Hospital in Naperville, IL with her family by her side. Mary was born March 14th, 1940 in Kansas City, Kansas to parents, Margaret Ann (née Pratt) and Oliver Wendell Wynne, Sr. who preceded her in death. In 1970, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Lewis Allen Roland. Mary grew up and spent most of her life in the Kansas City metropolitan area. In addition to living in Kansas City, Mary and Lewis spent four years in Dallas, Texas and, for the past six years, lived in Naperville, Illinois. She attended Kansas City Kansas Public Schools. Passionate about her education and the lifelong blessings it could bring, Mary pursued a number of certifications and advanced degrees, receiving a practical nursing license, a registered nursing license from Penn Valley, where she was President of her graduating class, a bachelor's degree from Park College and a master's degree from Webster University. Mary was an accomplished nurse, who worked at the Kansas City Health Department, Research Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, and as the Director of Nurses at Myers Nursing Home. Mary ended her nursing career as a Case Manager working at the corporate level for AT&T, Owens Corning, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna Health. Her compassion and competence as a healthcare professional led her to The White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals in both 1977 and 1980 where she advised members of the Carter administration on issues related to individuals with disabilities. In 1981, Mary was called upon to assist survivors in the aftermath of the Kansas City Hyatt Regency disaster. Mary retired from nursing in 2002. In addition to the impact she made in her career, Mary will be remembered fondly for her love of family and close friends. Mary enjoyed camping, reading, gardening, and creating beautiful floral arrangements. She also loved traveling and especially enjoyed her trip with Lewis to Europe in 1989 where they visited Germany, Italy and Austria. Mary loved the Lord and her faith was strong! She was baptized at Bethel Baptist Church in her early teens and remained active in church until her health kept her from being actively involved. When she couldn't attend church due to health challenges, Mary remained steadfast in her faith by receiving the Word of God watching her favorite TV evangelists, listening to gospel music and receiving communion either at home or while in the hospital. Mary leaves to cherish her memory, her loving and devoted husband of 46 years, Lewis Roland; seven children, Debra Scott, Raymond McDaniels(Stephanie), Brian McDaniels(Elaine), Bruce McDaniels(Rhoda), Gregory McDaniels(Terri), Kimberly White(Benny) and Pamela Anderson(Rodney); two stepchildren, Pamela Zachary(Lee) and Paula Roland; twenty-eight grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and one great, great, grandchild; four brothers, Oliver Wynne(Alma), Randy Wynne(Brenda), Frederick Wynne, and Carl Wynne(Lynette); five sisters, Rita Tucker(Emmett), Thelma Edwards(James), Patricia Brown(Dennis), Judith Jones (Warren), and Donna Marie Douglas(Ronnie); and a lifetime of great friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Joseph Wynne.