virginia Pollock greenlease...
Virginia P. Greenlease
Virginia Pollock Greenlease was born on Monday, November 8, 1909 in Kansas City, Missouri. She was truly a one-of-a-kind individual. Virginia was always quite gracious, ever so kind, so very elegant, and so loving and caring toward everyone!
She attended schools in Kansas City and graduated as a Registered Nurse and practiced her profession for a number of years before she met and married Robert C. Greenlease in 1939. The couple was blessed with the birth of a beautiful daughter in 1941 and they named her Virginia Sue. In 1947, Virginia gave birth to a son and he was named Robert C. Greenlease, Jr. Robert and Virginia always called their beloved son “Bobby.” Their family home was in Mission Hills, Kansas on Verona Road, (a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri), and they enjoyed sharing their luxurious 25 plus room home with family and friends across so many years. Their home was the gathering place for so many family and friends and Virginia and Robert loved to entertain, especially during the holidays.
Virginia was a most devoted wife and mother and she adored her own two children. She taught her children to be loving and caring and she instilled in them strong traditional Roman Catholic values. She went with her children to St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church in nearby Roeland Park, Kansas every Sunday and on many other occasions. It was at St. Agnes Church where both children were Baptized and grew to love their Roman Catholic Faith. Both children attended exclusive private schools in Kansas City, Missouri; Virginia Sue attended Sunset Hill Girl’s School near the Plaza, and Bobby attended the French Institute of Notre Dame deSion Catholic Elementary School in the Hyde Park area. Virginia taught her children about the greatness of America and about the generosity of the American people towards people all around the world. And she insisted her children would be raised to reach out to the needs of the poor because their father, Robert C. Greenlease, was such a wonderful example of caring and generosity toward others. Virginia also was most loving and caring toward Robert’s adopted son Paul Robert (from Robert’s first marriage), and she always considered Paul as a wonderful “older brother” to her own two children.
When the deep and foreboding sadness and grief surrounded Virginia and Robert and their family when Bobby was kidnapped and murdered on September 28, 1953, Virginia held fast and grew even closer to her already strong Roman Catholic Faith. She was affirmed and uplifted in her Catholic Faith by the Rev. Joseph M. Freeman, S. J. from Rockhurst College and High School in Kansas City. He reached out to Virginia and Robert throughout the tragic ordeal when Bobby was taken from them. Virginia often reflected on the beautiful and loving friendship Father Freeman afforded her and to her entire family. Father Freeman assured Virginia and Robert of God’s “constant and unfailing love” and he told them: “even in this darkest of hours in their lives, and in the lives of their entire family, God was holding each one of them very close.” Father Freeman spent many days and months and years comforting Virginia and Robert and their family, and he remained a deeply close family friend until his own passing.
She attended schools in Kansas City and graduated as a Registered Nurse and practiced her profession for a number of years before she met and married Robert C. Greenlease in 1939. The couple was blessed with the birth of a beautiful daughter in 1941 and they named her Virginia Sue. In 1947, Virginia gave birth to a son and he was named Robert C. Greenlease, Jr. Robert and Virginia always called their beloved son “Bobby.” Their family home was in Mission Hills, Kansas on Verona Road, (a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri), and they enjoyed sharing their luxurious 25 plus room home with family and friends across so many years. Their home was the gathering place for so many family and friends and Virginia and Robert loved to entertain, especially during the holidays.
Virginia was a most devoted wife and mother and she adored her own two children. She taught her children to be loving and caring and she instilled in them strong traditional Roman Catholic values. She went with her children to St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church in nearby Roeland Park, Kansas every Sunday and on many other occasions. It was at St. Agnes Church where both children were Baptized and grew to love their Roman Catholic Faith. Both children attended exclusive private schools in Kansas City, Missouri; Virginia Sue attended Sunset Hill Girl’s School near the Plaza, and Bobby attended the French Institute of Notre Dame deSion Catholic Elementary School in the Hyde Park area. Virginia taught her children about the greatness of America and about the generosity of the American people towards people all around the world. And she insisted her children would be raised to reach out to the needs of the poor because their father, Robert C. Greenlease, was such a wonderful example of caring and generosity toward others. Virginia also was most loving and caring toward Robert’s adopted son Paul Robert (from Robert’s first marriage), and she always considered Paul as a wonderful “older brother” to her own two children.
When the deep and foreboding sadness and grief surrounded Virginia and Robert and their family when Bobby was kidnapped and murdered on September 28, 1953, Virginia held fast and grew even closer to her already strong Roman Catholic Faith. She was affirmed and uplifted in her Catholic Faith by the Rev. Joseph M. Freeman, S. J. from Rockhurst College and High School in Kansas City. He reached out to Virginia and Robert throughout the tragic ordeal when Bobby was taken from them. Virginia often reflected on the beautiful and loving friendship Father Freeman afforded her and to her entire family. Father Freeman assured Virginia and Robert of God’s “constant and unfailing love” and he told them: “even in this darkest of hours in their lives, and in the lives of their entire family, God was holding each one of them very close.” Father Freeman spent many days and months and years comforting Virginia and Robert and their family, and he remained a deeply close family friend until his own passing.
virginia greenlease realized god's unfailing love...
St. Agnes Catholic Church
Virginia Greenlease always realized that God was, in fact, going to use her in a most positive manner. Of course, her loss of little Bobby was an unimaginable tragedy, and she knew and believed she would see Bobby again in Heaven. She decided to honor her little son in ways perhaps only a loving Mother can really understand. She was recalling the words spoken at Bobby’s funeral “Holy Mass of the Angels” at St. Agnes Catholic Church, on October 9, 1953, by Archbishop Edward Hunkeler of Kansas City, Kansas: “Do you think that in God’s omniscient presence He can be less than helpful to you? God created Bobby through the cooperation of his parents. He took him (Bobby) into His fold at Baptism. In short time, His purpose was fulfilled.” These loving words did bring much comfort to the Greenlease Family and many years later Virginia often recalled what the Archbishop had expressed. Virginia often said: “Words of encouragement spoken lovingly and sincerely are always remembered!”
Robert and Virginia wanted a lasting memorial and an ongoing remembrance for their little Bobby. The couple decided that something for Rockhurst College (now Rockhurst University), would be a wonderful way to honor the memory of Bobby and also honor and affirm their deep esteem and friendship both felt toward the Rev. Joseph M. Freeman, S. J., (Society of Jesus--the Jesuits) who had really remained steadfast and true with them in the depths of their sorrow and loss, and Father had comforted each one of them so lovingly and so devoutly.
Thus began the wonderful and ongoing friendships with Rockhurst, the Jesuits, and the Greenlease Family that continues to this day. Virginia and Robert endowed funds for the construction of the Greenlease Library on the campus of Rockhurst College on Troost Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. This beautiful four-story edifice was dedicated on the Rockhurst Campus on October 12, 1967 in the presence of Father Freeman, S. J., and the large Rockhurst Jesuit Community and with His Excellency Charles H. Helmsing, Bishop of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Roman Catholic Diocese presiding. Bishop Helmsing, a close family friend, was also present for the laying and consecrating of the cornerstone on October 17, 1966. The entire Greenlease Family, including Robert and Virginia, Virginia Sue, and others in the family, and those who had so generously committed to the Library, all were in attendance, and Virginia said she and her family felt the “living closeness of Bobby’s Spirit,” on that joyful special day of dedication of the Library bearing his family name.
Robert and Virginia wanted a lasting memorial and an ongoing remembrance for their little Bobby. The couple decided that something for Rockhurst College (now Rockhurst University), would be a wonderful way to honor the memory of Bobby and also honor and affirm their deep esteem and friendship both felt toward the Rev. Joseph M. Freeman, S. J., (Society of Jesus--the Jesuits) who had really remained steadfast and true with them in the depths of their sorrow and loss, and Father had comforted each one of them so lovingly and so devoutly.
Thus began the wonderful and ongoing friendships with Rockhurst, the Jesuits, and the Greenlease Family that continues to this day. Virginia and Robert endowed funds for the construction of the Greenlease Library on the campus of Rockhurst College on Troost Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. This beautiful four-story edifice was dedicated on the Rockhurst Campus on October 12, 1967 in the presence of Father Freeman, S. J., and the large Rockhurst Jesuit Community and with His Excellency Charles H. Helmsing, Bishop of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Roman Catholic Diocese presiding. Bishop Helmsing, a close family friend, was also present for the laying and consecrating of the cornerstone on October 17, 1966. The entire Greenlease Family, including Robert and Virginia, Virginia Sue, and others in the family, and those who had so generously committed to the Library, all were in attendance, and Virginia said she and her family felt the “living closeness of Bobby’s Spirit,” on that joyful special day of dedication of the Library bearing his family name.
Greenlease Library at Rockhurst University
gift of land to build a new rockhurst high school ON STATE LINE IN KANSAS CITY...
Rockhurst University Bell Tower
And then, on February 3, 1962, what would have been Bobby’s 15th Birthday, Virginia and Robert endowed the gift of the entire real estate property on State Line Road in south Kansas City, Missouri for the construction of the new Rockhurst High School. This property was consecrated and dedicated to God as the “Greenlease Memorial Campus,” by Bishop Charles Helmsing, in loving memory of Bobby, and to also honor Roman Catholic and Jesuit Education.
On November 3, 2000, another building was dedicated on the Rockhurst University Campus in honor and memory of Father Joseph M. Freeman, S. J., and is now known as the “Greenlease Gallery.” This Gallery features permanent historic and inspiring early Christian art and icons, and also provides space for so many educational art showings. This Gallery has emerged as a most notable and popular gallery, and not only for Rockhurst University, but for the entire fine arts educational scene in the Greater Kansas City area. The Robert Greenleases also endowed a “Chair” in Philosophy in honor of Father Freeman, S. J.
Virginia Greenlease has also endowed large gifts to many other worthy endeavors including numerous Catholic Churches, Opus Dei, the Children’s Mercy Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Little Sisters of the Poor, Conception Seminary College Fund for the education of so many future Roman Catholic Priests in Conception Junction, Missouri, Conception Benedictine Abbey Restoration, Catholic Charities, St. Joseph Medical Center Trust, St. Jame’s Food Kitchen, and, additionally, she funded quite generously to such endeavors as the Shriner's Hospitals for Children in memory of Robert C. Greenlease, Sr., the Salvation Army Food Services, expansion of the world renowned Nelson-Atkins Gallery of Art, the Union Station Restoration, the National World War I Liberty Memorial Restoration in Kansas City, MO, Kansas City Museum Restoration, the Kansas City Symphony, the Starlight Theater, the Kansas City Ballet, and many, many others.
And today, there is the Central City School Fund or CCSF (now known as the Strong City School Fund) in Kansas City, Missouri. Virginia believed that ALL children who wanted and needed a solid Roman Catholic education were entitled to such an education. She helped establish the CCSF funding along with Bishop John Sullivan, for this express purpose. This Fund provides funds to assist and enable the wonderful inner-city Catholic Schools to provide for the education for children who otherwise could not afford tuition to attend a Roman Catholic School. The Central City School Fund was very near and dear to Virginia’s heart, and especially did she desire for this fund to find and realize success as she neared the end of her earthly life’s journey. Virginia placed great emphasis on funding the Central City School Fund both during her lifetime, and following her passing from this life, with a permanent endowment. The CCSF has expanded upon its intended mission and outreach under the leadership of The Most Reverend Robert W. Finn, D. D., the Bishop of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Catholic Diocese. While Virginia never personally met Bishop Finn, she would have most certainly been very pleased with his leadership, especially in relation to the CCSF. Bishop Finn is a very strong advocate for the Central City School Fund and he has affirmed and even expanded the CCSF original mission. Bishop Finn is a wonderful and inspired leader for the Diocese and he is a great example for each one of us. He is a Priest in Opus Dei. He is completely devoted to each one of the “life matters” affirmed by the Roman Catholic Church and every devout Catholic of good will and conscience hopefully affirms a man like Bishop Finn!
Virginia was so happy when she was able to advance the cause for Catholic Education. She was one of the strongest advocates for Catholic Education in the Diocese, as she funded the Central City School Fund.
Virginia Greenlease was never content to simply live a life of extreme luxury--she did enjoy a bountiful and fulfilling life to be certain. She was most concerned that history might record (accurately) that the Greenlease Family, while certainly enjoying great material wealth, the important thing to the family was that this wealth had shown itself as an opportunity for Virginia and Robert to honor God, The Creator of everything good, and perhaps leave a most positive legacy, and more importantly, instill a positive impact on many, many other people’s lives. Virginia busied herself after the passing’s of Bobby in 1953, Paul in 1964, Robert Sr. in 1969, and Virginia Sue in 1984, with establishing such a myriad of opportunities for others that were sincerely intended always to be helpful, empowering, illuminating, and often, even inspiring. And for people she would never have the opportunity and privilege to personally meet. The number of people she has assisted is far too large to ever begin to qualify with a mere number!
Virginia will always be remembered for her selfless dignity, her loving charm, and her courage to continue to live out her life in a way that brought respect and esteem and honor to each member of her family. She loved Robert C.Greenlease so deeply and she relied on him to advise and advocate for her. Robert co-established with Virginia every aspect of the Greenlease Family philanthropic endeavors and enterprises, for which she became so engaged, and she managed these charitable and philanthropic efforts both during his lifetime and following Robert’s passing in 1969. Virginia said she always felt the presence of Robert following his passing as he was (in her words): “A bigger than life man who had always maintained such resolve and positive purpose in every decision he made. And particularly in his giving to so many worthy causes.”
Virginia often considered and wondered just what Bobby would have become had he been able to live out a normal and fulfilling life. Would he have gone on to operate his dad’s numerous Greenlease Cadillac Companies enterprises and other businesses? Perhaps Bobby would have become a Roman Catholic Priest. He certainly would have been encouraged along to do and to live his life according to what he wanted, all in the light of what God would reveal for him. Virginia spent her final years always believing, always affirming, and always knowing of God’s love for her. She did think back---as most of us are inclined to do---to get a sense of how her life and the lives of her family might have been without the tragic and sad loss of Bobby. Virginia did always live for today, and yet she always considered what good could come for tomorrow! She always was determined to empower others and to encourage others to do what was holy, do what was good, and do what was loving and always be forgiving.
Virginia always wished that her daughter Virginia Sue could have lived a much longer life. She missed Virginia Sue and often spoke of her. She knew the tragic loss of her younger brother Bobby had had a profound and lasting shadow over her own life. Virginia saw the twinkle in Robert’s eye whenever Virginia Sue would enter the room or when he took her to swimming classes and she would always be so excited when her dad pulled her in the snow on her sled. Even in later years, Virginia Sue would weep when she would recall the circumstances surrounding her younger brother Bobby’s untimely passing. Ironically, Virginia Sue had been the original intended target of the two kidnapper-murderers when the pair decided it might be easier to kidnap Bobby as he would perhaps create less resistance, since he was younger.
The memorials the family established are also always intended to honor Virginia Sue Greenlease Sterk and Paul Greenlease.
Virginia often surrounded herself with personal family photographs from the earlier years, and she did always maintain a very high sense of purpose and resolve. She saw humor and irony in ordinary things and especially did she find humor in herself! And she always found the less-fortunate and those who were ill and hurting, and those who were in mourning, to be such a real and dignified presence for her, and such a sense of awe and humility for her. She really genuinely loved and cared for others and right up to the moment she passed from this life!
Virginia was a wonderful person, an extraordinary friend and confidant. Friends shall always be grateful to her for instilling in them the desire to draw closer--ever closer--to God, and to seek out the less-fortunate, and to be an example of God’s love and His hope for everyone. And for people to exhibit some humor---a lot of humor and mixed with some good laughter. She often said: “you are here in this life for a very brief time. Always love God, quickly forgive others, and try to be an example for others of God’s endless love for you. And build up Christ’s Holy Catholic Church, and always, always, sponsor a boy who is called to be a Roman Catholic Priest!” Virginia, who had a great love for animals, especially dogs and cats, told friends and family to always shelter dogs and let a dog be a friend who will never betray you and will always love you. She requested of friends, and in her own words: “Allow for this luxury in your life!”
On November 3, 2000, another building was dedicated on the Rockhurst University Campus in honor and memory of Father Joseph M. Freeman, S. J., and is now known as the “Greenlease Gallery.” This Gallery features permanent historic and inspiring early Christian art and icons, and also provides space for so many educational art showings. This Gallery has emerged as a most notable and popular gallery, and not only for Rockhurst University, but for the entire fine arts educational scene in the Greater Kansas City area. The Robert Greenleases also endowed a “Chair” in Philosophy in honor of Father Freeman, S. J.
Virginia Greenlease has also endowed large gifts to many other worthy endeavors including numerous Catholic Churches, Opus Dei, the Children’s Mercy Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Little Sisters of the Poor, Conception Seminary College Fund for the education of so many future Roman Catholic Priests in Conception Junction, Missouri, Conception Benedictine Abbey Restoration, Catholic Charities, St. Joseph Medical Center Trust, St. Jame’s Food Kitchen, and, additionally, she funded quite generously to such endeavors as the Shriner's Hospitals for Children in memory of Robert C. Greenlease, Sr., the Salvation Army Food Services, expansion of the world renowned Nelson-Atkins Gallery of Art, the Union Station Restoration, the National World War I Liberty Memorial Restoration in Kansas City, MO, Kansas City Museum Restoration, the Kansas City Symphony, the Starlight Theater, the Kansas City Ballet, and many, many others.
And today, there is the Central City School Fund or CCSF (now known as the Strong City School Fund) in Kansas City, Missouri. Virginia believed that ALL children who wanted and needed a solid Roman Catholic education were entitled to such an education. She helped establish the CCSF funding along with Bishop John Sullivan, for this express purpose. This Fund provides funds to assist and enable the wonderful inner-city Catholic Schools to provide for the education for children who otherwise could not afford tuition to attend a Roman Catholic School. The Central City School Fund was very near and dear to Virginia’s heart, and especially did she desire for this fund to find and realize success as she neared the end of her earthly life’s journey. Virginia placed great emphasis on funding the Central City School Fund both during her lifetime, and following her passing from this life, with a permanent endowment. The CCSF has expanded upon its intended mission and outreach under the leadership of The Most Reverend Robert W. Finn, D. D., the Bishop of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Catholic Diocese. While Virginia never personally met Bishop Finn, she would have most certainly been very pleased with his leadership, especially in relation to the CCSF. Bishop Finn is a very strong advocate for the Central City School Fund and he has affirmed and even expanded the CCSF original mission. Bishop Finn is a wonderful and inspired leader for the Diocese and he is a great example for each one of us. He is a Priest in Opus Dei. He is completely devoted to each one of the “life matters” affirmed by the Roman Catholic Church and every devout Catholic of good will and conscience hopefully affirms a man like Bishop Finn!
Virginia was so happy when she was able to advance the cause for Catholic Education. She was one of the strongest advocates for Catholic Education in the Diocese, as she funded the Central City School Fund.
Virginia Greenlease was never content to simply live a life of extreme luxury--she did enjoy a bountiful and fulfilling life to be certain. She was most concerned that history might record (accurately) that the Greenlease Family, while certainly enjoying great material wealth, the important thing to the family was that this wealth had shown itself as an opportunity for Virginia and Robert to honor God, The Creator of everything good, and perhaps leave a most positive legacy, and more importantly, instill a positive impact on many, many other people’s lives. Virginia busied herself after the passing’s of Bobby in 1953, Paul in 1964, Robert Sr. in 1969, and Virginia Sue in 1984, with establishing such a myriad of opportunities for others that were sincerely intended always to be helpful, empowering, illuminating, and often, even inspiring. And for people she would never have the opportunity and privilege to personally meet. The number of people she has assisted is far too large to ever begin to qualify with a mere number!
Virginia will always be remembered for her selfless dignity, her loving charm, and her courage to continue to live out her life in a way that brought respect and esteem and honor to each member of her family. She loved Robert C.Greenlease so deeply and she relied on him to advise and advocate for her. Robert co-established with Virginia every aspect of the Greenlease Family philanthropic endeavors and enterprises, for which she became so engaged, and she managed these charitable and philanthropic efforts both during his lifetime and following Robert’s passing in 1969. Virginia said she always felt the presence of Robert following his passing as he was (in her words): “A bigger than life man who had always maintained such resolve and positive purpose in every decision he made. And particularly in his giving to so many worthy causes.”
Virginia often considered and wondered just what Bobby would have become had he been able to live out a normal and fulfilling life. Would he have gone on to operate his dad’s numerous Greenlease Cadillac Companies enterprises and other businesses? Perhaps Bobby would have become a Roman Catholic Priest. He certainly would have been encouraged along to do and to live his life according to what he wanted, all in the light of what God would reveal for him. Virginia spent her final years always believing, always affirming, and always knowing of God’s love for her. She did think back---as most of us are inclined to do---to get a sense of how her life and the lives of her family might have been without the tragic and sad loss of Bobby. Virginia did always live for today, and yet she always considered what good could come for tomorrow! She always was determined to empower others and to encourage others to do what was holy, do what was good, and do what was loving and always be forgiving.
Virginia always wished that her daughter Virginia Sue could have lived a much longer life. She missed Virginia Sue and often spoke of her. She knew the tragic loss of her younger brother Bobby had had a profound and lasting shadow over her own life. Virginia saw the twinkle in Robert’s eye whenever Virginia Sue would enter the room or when he took her to swimming classes and she would always be so excited when her dad pulled her in the snow on her sled. Even in later years, Virginia Sue would weep when she would recall the circumstances surrounding her younger brother Bobby’s untimely passing. Ironically, Virginia Sue had been the original intended target of the two kidnapper-murderers when the pair decided it might be easier to kidnap Bobby as he would perhaps create less resistance, since he was younger.
The memorials the family established are also always intended to honor Virginia Sue Greenlease Sterk and Paul Greenlease.
Virginia often surrounded herself with personal family photographs from the earlier years, and she did always maintain a very high sense of purpose and resolve. She saw humor and irony in ordinary things and especially did she find humor in herself! And she always found the less-fortunate and those who were ill and hurting, and those who were in mourning, to be such a real and dignified presence for her, and such a sense of awe and humility for her. She really genuinely loved and cared for others and right up to the moment she passed from this life!
Virginia was a wonderful person, an extraordinary friend and confidant. Friends shall always be grateful to her for instilling in them the desire to draw closer--ever closer--to God, and to seek out the less-fortunate, and to be an example of God’s love and His hope for everyone. And for people to exhibit some humor---a lot of humor and mixed with some good laughter. She often said: “you are here in this life for a very brief time. Always love God, quickly forgive others, and try to be an example for others of God’s endless love for you. And build up Christ’s Holy Catholic Church, and always, always, sponsor a boy who is called to be a Roman Catholic Priest!” Virginia, who had a great love for animals, especially dogs and cats, told friends and family to always shelter dogs and let a dog be a friend who will never betray you and will always love you. She requested of friends, and in her own words: “Allow for this luxury in your life!”
greenlease generosity spans the passage of time...
Robert C. & Virginia P. Greenlease
Virginia P. Greenlease lived out her life in her condominium located in “The Walnuts” near the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Mo. Some years earlier she had moved from the large mansion on Verona Road in Mission Hills, Kansas, where she and Robert had together raised their family. She passed from this life on September 24, 2001 in her home, having just received the Catholic Sacramental “Anointing of the Sick” from Father Norman Rotert. A special friend was also at her bedside along with some few others, and each realized she would soon be with Jesus and Mary and all of the Saints in Heaven, and also knew how much everyone was going to miss her physical presence. The last few years of her life she was a member of Visitation Catholic Church located on Main St. near her residence. She endowed a gift to the Church to construct the St. Joseph Chapel during an extensive renewal project. She never lived to see this very inspiring and holy Chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is honored in the Tabernacle. One can actually feel her spirit when praying in this Chapel inside Visitation Catholic Church.
Virginia’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on September 27, 2001 at Visitation Church. The Rev. Norman Rotert officiated. Father Rotert reminded everyone of “Virginia’s deep love and her devotion to Christ and Mary, her love for the Blessed Sacrament and for the Roman Catholic Church; and her very constant desire to share her wealth with others.” A rosary for Virginia was prayed September 26, 2001 at the D. W. Newcomer’s Sons Stine & McClure Funeral Home, (located just three blocks south on Gillham Plaza from where Greenlease Cadillac Motor Company was located on Gillham Road for over 60 years).
Even though so many of her family and friends had preceded her in death, still, so many other friends came for her visitation and Rosary at the funeral home on September 26, 2001. Friends remember how the funeral home chapel setting was quite lovely with the two red vigil candles near her casket, and Father Rotert prayed and led the Holy Rosary. She was finally at rest, and following her Funeral Mass at Visitation Catholic Church the following morning, she was entombed in the Forest Hill Abbey Mausoleum in Forest Hill Cemetery in the same room where Bobby was placed so many years earlier. Robert Sr., and Virginia Sue Greenlease Sterk are also entombed inside this same family crypt.
The Greenlease Family always called on the D. W. Newcomer’s Sons Funeral Directors for the professional and personal care of their beloved family every time members of their family passed away. When Bobby passed away, the W. G. (Ted) Pearson Family owned the Stine & McClure Undertaking Company on Gillham Road, and soon thereafter, the Newcomer Family owned this venerable establishment. Frank Newcomer, Sr. and Jr. and David W. Newcomer, III were very close personal friends to Robert and Virginia. The Greenlease Family completely relied on the Newcomer Family to handle every detail of the funeral care the family came to depend on from their close and dear friends, the D. W. Newcomer Family. D. W. Newcomer’s Sons Undertakers was originally established in 1893. Virginia often said: “I could never have endured the losses of my beloved family without the kindness and sympathy coming from David and Frank Newcomer, and their very wonderful professional staffs associated with their funeral homes.”
Actually, the Greenlease and Newcomer families shared many of the same interests when it came to philanthropy, and both families gave very generously to many Kansas City area charities, including many, many Catholic charities and endeavors.
Virginia Pollock Greenlease lived and believed in the goodness of all people. She never confined herself to hating or to resentment. She never presented herself as any kind of a “special saintly person,” as she insisted this description must be reserved for others to make in regard to other people who really were extraordinarily saintly; just not in regard to her. Even though Virginia believed “we were all called by The Church to be Saints!” She wanted every person to find some great joy in their own life and to pass on things good to others. The unique personality and strong character of Virginia was best found in her generosity towards others. Virginia was perhaps most joyful and happy when she saw that other people were enhanced and elevated, and, just maybe, as a result of things she might have inspired, and especially with endeavors like the Central City School Fund. She firmly believed this: “Death was never the end of anything, but, the beginning of everything in Christ!” REQUIESCAT IN PAX, VIRGINIA...Friends shall always remember to love you, and this especially includes the contributors to this Greenlease Family website!
Virginia’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on September 27, 2001 at Visitation Church. The Rev. Norman Rotert officiated. Father Rotert reminded everyone of “Virginia’s deep love and her devotion to Christ and Mary, her love for the Blessed Sacrament and for the Roman Catholic Church; and her very constant desire to share her wealth with others.” A rosary for Virginia was prayed September 26, 2001 at the D. W. Newcomer’s Sons Stine & McClure Funeral Home, (located just three blocks south on Gillham Plaza from where Greenlease Cadillac Motor Company was located on Gillham Road for over 60 years).
Even though so many of her family and friends had preceded her in death, still, so many other friends came for her visitation and Rosary at the funeral home on September 26, 2001. Friends remember how the funeral home chapel setting was quite lovely with the two red vigil candles near her casket, and Father Rotert prayed and led the Holy Rosary. She was finally at rest, and following her Funeral Mass at Visitation Catholic Church the following morning, she was entombed in the Forest Hill Abbey Mausoleum in Forest Hill Cemetery in the same room where Bobby was placed so many years earlier. Robert Sr., and Virginia Sue Greenlease Sterk are also entombed inside this same family crypt.
The Greenlease Family always called on the D. W. Newcomer’s Sons Funeral Directors for the professional and personal care of their beloved family every time members of their family passed away. When Bobby passed away, the W. G. (Ted) Pearson Family owned the Stine & McClure Undertaking Company on Gillham Road, and soon thereafter, the Newcomer Family owned this venerable establishment. Frank Newcomer, Sr. and Jr. and David W. Newcomer, III were very close personal friends to Robert and Virginia. The Greenlease Family completely relied on the Newcomer Family to handle every detail of the funeral care the family came to depend on from their close and dear friends, the D. W. Newcomer Family. D. W. Newcomer’s Sons Undertakers was originally established in 1893. Virginia often said: “I could never have endured the losses of my beloved family without the kindness and sympathy coming from David and Frank Newcomer, and their very wonderful professional staffs associated with their funeral homes.”
Actually, the Greenlease and Newcomer families shared many of the same interests when it came to philanthropy, and both families gave very generously to many Kansas City area charities, including many, many Catholic charities and endeavors.
Virginia Pollock Greenlease lived and believed in the goodness of all people. She never confined herself to hating or to resentment. She never presented herself as any kind of a “special saintly person,” as she insisted this description must be reserved for others to make in regard to other people who really were extraordinarily saintly; just not in regard to her. Even though Virginia believed “we were all called by The Church to be Saints!” She wanted every person to find some great joy in their own life and to pass on things good to others. The unique personality and strong character of Virginia was best found in her generosity towards others. Virginia was perhaps most joyful and happy when she saw that other people were enhanced and elevated, and, just maybe, as a result of things she might have inspired, and especially with endeavors like the Central City School Fund. She firmly believed this: “Death was never the end of anything, but, the beginning of everything in Christ!” REQUIESCAT IN PAX, VIRGINIA...Friends shall always remember to love you, and this especially includes the contributors to this Greenlease Family website!
