Mary Regina Peck

Mary Beullens Peck, 73, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on March 16, 2025, after a long battle with COPD. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 21, 1951, to Mary Ann and George Beullens. As the oldest of five sisters, Mary grew up surrounded by her parents and four younger siblings.

Mary attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School before continuing her education at St. Teresa's Academy, where she was awarded a full art scholarship. Her passion for creativity and the arts became a defining part of her life. Mary later attended several colleges, ultimately earning a degree in Liberal Arts from Johnson County Community College (JCCC) in 2011. This achievement reflected her dedication to lifelong learning and her commitment to self-growth.

A larger-than-life personality, Mary embraced each moment with enthusiasm. She grew up during a time of significant societal change and welcomed it with open arms. In her twenties, Mary embarked on an adventurous journey across the United States, traveling to places like New York, California, Colorado, Arizona, and Florida. These adventures enriched her life, and she loved sharing the stories of her travels, often leaving her children wide-eyed with curiosity.

After her years of exploration, Mary returned to Kansas City, where she raised her family. In 1986, Mary began a long and distinguished career with the United States Post Office. Over the course of 23 years, she worked her way up and retired as a supervisor in 2009. Mary’s dedication to her work and leadership left a lasting impact on her colleagues and the community she served.

Passionate about human rights, especially women's rights, Mary spent her life advocating for those in need. She found joy in helping others and was known for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Her ability to lift others up will remain her lasting legacy.

Family was at the heart of everything Mary did. Her fierce love for her children and grandchildren was evident in everything she did, and she would go to great lengths to care for those she cherished. Mary was always there to lend a listening ear, offer a helping hand, and share her love. Additionally, being a skilled shopper, Mary was known for finding the best deals and stretching every dollar. Her children often marveled at her ability to make the most out of every penny.

Her Catholic faith was central to Mary’s life, providing her with strength and peace. She was an active member of the online communities at St. Francis and St. Teresa, and she generously supported causes like PBS, Native American reservations, and Children’s Mercy, among others.

A lover of art in all forms, Mary especially appreciated jewelry and hardwood furniture as expressions of creativity. She had a remarkable eye for finding unique, beautiful treasures and delighted in sharing these with her children and grandchildren, passing on her love for the finer things in life.

Mary was also a lifelong animal lover, with a particular fondness for birds, especially cardinals. She could often be found gazing out her window, mesmerized by their beauty.

In her retirement, Mary’s greatest joy came from spending time with her beloved grandchildren. She cherished every moment with them, and they were a constant source of happiness and love in her life.

Mary was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. Her strength, kindness, and loving nature touched everyone she met. She was a constant source of support and love for her family, and her warm smile will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her son, Charles Johnson; daughters, Jessica Johnson, Jeannette Johnson (Chris), Cynthia Lancey (Eric), Margaret Cameron (Jesse Meador), and Marian Cameron. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Harper Johnson, Arianna, Ellie, Nia, and Nova Johnson, Madison and Alex Smith, Emilia and Charlotte Lancey, Betsy Meador, and Tobias, Penny, and Henree Cameron. Mary is also survived by her two sisters, Virginie Darrow and Cecelia Correa, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and countless friends who will miss her dearly.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Ann and George Beullens; her sisters, Sarah Barber and Isabell Neenan; and her beloved husband, Fayne Peck.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at St. Elizabeth Parish on April 3, 2025.

Visitation: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Mass: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Lunch to follow in Seton Hall

Burial: Mt. Olivet Cemetery at 2:00 PM

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to PBS, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church or Children's Mercy, all of which were dear to Mary's heart.

Mary’s spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. She will always remain our tower of power.