Anne McCartney

Anne McCartney (née Hickok) of Kansas City Missouri was known by many different names throughout her life--Mrs. McCartney, Auntie Anne, cuz, Miss Anne, white-water Annie, Anne-mama, but to us she will always be mom. In some ways, "mom" is such a homely expression for a woman of such enormous complexity. She spent 30 years as a Montessori teacher, helping students navigate the perils of the golden beads, the broad stair, and early phonics. She was a portrait artist, an equestrian, a Shakespearean actress, and a musician. She was a published author and a traveler, having extensively explored Asia, Europe and Africa in her youth. However, to us she was the reader of stories and the maker of "lovely dinners." She taught us The Peacemaker Pledge and never failed to sing the boo-boo song. She was the KC Star's 1999 winner of the Wackiest Mom award for her tutu/cleaning antics, where she alleged that it was better to do chores in costume because "tutus are glorious and housework is not." Each night, without fail, she asked us how our day was and to share five things for which we were grateful before reminding us of the family values--treat all people with love, manners, and respect. When we were older she was the sender of soups and cookies and was a devoted grandmother. She knew how to speak to her children in the languages they each needed: in Chiefs games and Broadway plays, in book shares and pedicures, in Sunday phone calls and Movies with Mom. She died on December 9th at St. Joseph's at age 65. She is survived by her husband, John McCartney; her brother, Tim Hickok (Colleen Hickok); her stepmother, Gloria Hickok; her daughters, Lora Hawkins (Teshale Byan) and Jane Hawkins (Dustin Hudgens); her son, Jack Hawkins (Castille Ritter); two stepsons; three step-siblings; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Elaine Darnell, and her father, Bill Hickok. Whether she was called Anne-mama, sister, wife, teacher, or mom, she made our lives richer and will be missed. We will be gathering to share stories and remembrances on Sunday, December 22nd from 2-4pm at 9805 Belleview Avenue, KCMO 64114.

Anne McCartney

October 23, 1959 - December 9, 2024