Nancy RaGusa of Independence Mo., died Feb. 20, 2011. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 10113 E. Lexington, Independence, Mo., with burial following in Mt. Saint Mary’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at St. Ann’s Church on Friday, Feb. 25 from 5 p.m to 8 p.m. The rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. The family requests no flowers. Arrangements are by Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, Kansas City, Mo.

Nancy was born to Rose and Anthony RaGusa on Oct.16,1935 in Kansas City, Mo. She graduated from St. Michael’s Catholic Grade School, Glennon High School, Avila University and UMKC.

She taught in the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph at Nativity of Mary, St. Ann’s, NCCS, and St. Stephens Catholic schools, where she will be remembered by all her students for praying a Hail Mary whenever they heard a siren.

Nancy left the Catholic School District but continued her teaching career with the Kansas City School District at Nowlin Middle School, eventually retiring after 46 years. Following her retirement, she was a reading mentor for Nowlin and a CCD teacher for St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

She was a powerful, loving and dedicated teacher who devoted her life to giving all children the best education.

Nancy has been a Catholic all her life. She was a member of the women’s Cursillo and involved in many religious organizations. She attended Mass daily and was a very prayerful person with a long list of intentions. She prayed for the unborn, her family, church and country, world peace, elected leaders, the sick and everyone who asked for prayers.

She was proud to be an American and considered it both a privilege and responsibility to vote in every election.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Rose and Anthony RaGusa; her brother-in-law James Day; and her godmother and aunt Frances Damiano.

She is survived by her sisters Jo Marie RaGusa, Antoinette RaGusa Day, Connie RaGusa Haggerty and brother-in-law Gary Haggerty.

She was a devoted aunt to 21 nieces and nephews, (15 spouses), 54 great-nieces and nephews, one great-great niece and one great-great nephew.

Nancy had a special gift of taking care of others and putting their needs before her own needs. She loved playing cards, going to the boats, family celebrations, picnics, going out to eat, and living with her best friend and dog, Angel.

Nancy touched many lives as a daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, friend and church member. She will be sadly missed by all those who loved her and lovingly remembered as a caring, prayerful, selfless woman of faith.

The family of Nancy RaGusa would like to thank Dr. Cosmo Caruso, Dr. Robert Glueck, Dr. Daniel Geha and the nurses and staff at both Centerpoint and KU Medical Centers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Masses dedicated for Nancy. Donations may be made to St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 10113 E. Lexington, Independence, MO 64053; Mother Angelica (EWTN) 5817 Old Leeds Rd, Irondale, AL 35210; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.