Mary Elizabeth Gore

In Loving Memory of Mary "Kitty" Gore November 11, 1945 – June 16, 2025 Mary Gore, affectionately known to many as “Kitty,” passed away peacefully on the morning of June 16, 2025, at the age of 79. She was surrounded by love in the days leading up to her passing, with family at her bedside. Though not a biological mother, Kitty was a maternal force and guiding light to many; including her niece and nephews, leaving an enduring imprint on the lives she helped raise and shape. Born on November 11, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, Mary was a woman of great spirit and determination. Fierce, funny, and full of life, she lived passionately and gave freely. She dedicated much of her life to caring for others; first as a substitute math teacher in the Wentzville School District, and later as the beloved owner of Explorers Daycare Center. Through her work, Kitty nurtured hundreds of children in the St. Louis community. She was a role model, a gentle disciplinarian, and a source of love and stability for generations of children and families. Kitty’s love knew no bounds. She shared a nearly 60-year companionship with Ronald Jones, who stood faithfully by her side during her final chapter. She also shared her heart and her home with countless others. Her sister Yvonne, with whom she shared the sacred task of raising a family, trusted Kitty implicitly with the care and guidance of her children. That trust was more than earned. Kitty was known for her fierce loyalty; especially to her beloved St. Louis Cardinals, and her guilty pleasure: chocolate. She loved action movies, had a passion for handball and racquetball in her younger years, and found joy in the presence of dogs and children. Beneath her sometimes-tough exterior was the soul of a kitten: gentle, nurturing, and endlessly giving. Her eyes revealed everything; your pain became her pain, your joy her joy. Even in her final months, Kitty continued to touch hearts. She was a favorite among caregivers at McKnight Memory Care Center, charming staff with her sharp wit, radiant smile, and unwavering pride in her family. She had a way of making people feel seen and loved, and her warmth will be dearly missed. Mary is survived by her loving niece and nephews: Margaret “Mimi” (Seth), Raymond “Mikki” (Alysha), Jeff (Mary), Lafayette “Jerry”, and Melissa; great-nieces and nephews: Makenzie, Cameron, Brennan, Tiana, Olivia, Elliott, Sasha, Miya, Giovanni, Vincent, Laila, Jaden, Caleb and Sophia; and great-great-nieces and nephews: Willa, Felix, Milo, Scout, Estella, and Crew. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Margaret (Harvey) Gore, and her cherished sister Yvonne. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Valhalla Chapel of Memories, 7600 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Louis, Missouri. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with entombment to follow in the Valhalla Indoor Mausoleum, where Kitty will be laid to rest among family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or APA of Missouri. Kitty’s legacy is one of deep love, unshakable faith in family, and selfless service. To know her was to be loved by her, and we were all better for it.

Mary Elizabeth Gore

November 11, 1945 - June 16, 2025