Mary Ann (Annie) Adams nee Heagerty

Mary Anne Adams, lovingly known as Annie, was born August 19, 1935, in Springfield, Missouri, to Frank and Christine Heagerty. She passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, in Leawood, Kansas.

A graduate of Lebanon High School, she continued her education at the University of Missouri in Columbia earning a B.S. in Education and was a proud alumna. She continued her education at Webster University, earning her M.S. in Education. Annie had a long teaching career in the Affton School District before becoming the principal of Mesnier School.

Annie cared deeply for her students and always made sure they had what they needed. As a teacher, she would often purchase school supplies and even shoes for children who needed them. She truly loved teaching, and many of her former students reached out years later to thank her for the impact she had on their lives. As principal, Annie was a strong advocate for both her students and teachers and was proud to stand up for them. A signature accomplishment while principal was securing a donation of a large Velvet Freeze ice cream cone, which was placed in front of Mesnier School.

Annie was a kind and caring mother, friend, and leader. She was generous, intelligent, engaged in the world around her, and had a special love for children. A long time member of the United Methodist Church, she served as lay leader at both Union and Salem-in-Ladue churches. In her free time, she enjoyed flower gardening, being part of her gardening club, decorating, antiquing, reading, and decorating cakes. She was a longtime member of the Garden Club in Laurie, Missouri, where she enjoyed giving back to her community. She also belonged to a book club and especially loved bringing her family together for holiday gatherings. Because of her love for creating special memories and making the holidays magical, she was affectionately known as “Mother Christmas.”

Annie’s greatest joy was her family, and she will be remembered for the love, generosity, and warmth she shared with those around her.

Annie is survived by her children, Pat Piskulich (Michelle) and Christy Taylor (Scott); grandchildren, Zeke Piskulich (Kelci), Sam Taylor (Elena), and Maggie Mehlin (Nick); great-grandson Wesley Piskulich; stepchildren Stan Adams (Francesca), Steve Adams (Barb), Dave Adams (Blaire), and Greg Adams (Sheila), along with their children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Christine Heagerty; the father of her children, John J. Piskulich; and her loving husband, Jack L. Adams.

A private family gathering will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made by mail to Ascend Palliative Care Hospice, 4550 W 109th St, Overland Park, KS 66207; Melissa’s Second Chances at msrescue.org/donate/; or Ozarks Kat and K9 Shelter at POB 338, Sunrise Beach, MO 65079 or via https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-8984.

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