Mary Harris Francis Was Chappy Summer Visitor

Mary Harris Guinotte Francis died at home surrounded by her family following a brief illness, on the evening of May 26.

Mrs. Francis was born in Kansas City, Mo., on March 16, 1927, to James Gibson and Mary Harris Guinotte. The Guinotte family was one of the founding families of Kansas City. Mrs. Francis attended Notre Dame de Sion School and was graduated from the Sunset Hill School. After high school, she attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and graduated in 1949. After college, she taught elementary school at Notre Dame de Sion.

On June 11, 1951, she married John Byers Francis and they were married for 53 years until his death in 2004. Her parents, her brother James Guinotte and sisters Aimee Guinotte Gerhardt and Joan Guinotte White also preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister Maude Guinotte Strawn of Santa Fe, N.M.

Mary Harris or Harris as family and friends knew her, was a talented and creative organizer of events and projects. She was a member of the first class of Botars and served as Botar chairman. She was a member of the Junior League and for many years volunteered at Children's Mercy Hospital. She served on the advisory boards of Central City Schools and Genesis School. In addition, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Chouteau Society, and the Women's Division Kansas City Museum.

In 1981, Mary Harris co-founded with Barbara Hall Marshall the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City. The museum is considered to be one of the finest collections of antique toys and miniatures in the world. It reflects Mary Harris' passion for dolls, toys, and games of many periods. Up until the time of her death, she remained active in the administration and operation of the museum. She was also a highly respected and valued member of the Toy Collectors of America and The United Federation of Doll Clubs.

In addition she served for many years on the Francis Family Foundation board of directors, most recently as honorary vice-chairman. In 1990, she founded and funded the Child Development Institute located at Penn Valley Community College with Francis Family Foundation chairman, Mr. Francis. The institute is dedicated to training early childhood care providers and is a national leader for promoting quality childhood care and education.

Mary Harris, known for her taste and talent in interior design, created a summer residence on Chappaquiddick that was enjoyed by family and friends for over 20 years. Mr. Francis affectionately named her the Pioneer Lady because of her fortitude and determination in building and maintaining the Pilot House. In 1997, she and Mr. Francis gave the Chappaquiddick property to the Sheriff's Meadow Foundation to be enjoyed as a public beach.

Mary Harris will long be remembered by many for her wonderful laugh and love of life. She was generous to all and never lost her child's sense of play and imagination. Her keen intelligence and her dynamic spirit were balanced by a warm and caring heart.

Mrs. Francis is survived by her four children; son J. Scott Francis of Kansas City; son David V. Francis and wife Janis of Shawnee Mission, Kans.; daughter Susan Neves and husband Antonio of Camden, Me.; daughter Ann Barhourn and husband, Khalil of Menlo Park, Calif.; and nine grandchildren.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, May 31 at the D. W. Newcomers Stine & McClure Chapel in Kansas City, Mo. On Wednesday, June 1, a private interment was held at Mount Washington Cemetery followed by a public memorial service at the Redemptorist Church in Kansas City. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City.