Junie Maggio, age 72, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2025 with her daughters and friends by her side.
Junie, formerly Betty Jo Jr., was born on December 27, 1952 to parents Betty Jo Sr. Maggio, née Vandenberg, and John Guy Maggio in Kansas City, Missouri.
She went to school for Nursing at Avila University and Loyola University Chicago. For much of her life, she worked in hospitals as a nurse. She continued to apply her knowledge at State Farm, where she met lifelong friends.
One of her proudest moments was becoming a single mom to her two daughters, whom she adopted from China. She created a beautiful home for her family, filled with an abundance of love, endless plants, and several dogs.
Junie was the biggest Snoopy fan and kept many around her home. She loved The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, ABBA, and Green Day. When she wasn’t watching her British TV shows, she enjoyed playing Mahjong on her phone. You could find Junie at her favorite store, Retail Rebel, searching for a gift for a loved one or an item to donate to True Light Resource Center. Junie was a devoted volunteer at True Light, eventually joining their Board of Directors. She spent a number of years after retirement supporting their mission.
She was an avid learner, always staying curious. Junie spent several years learning languages on Duolingo. As a spiritual person, she took pride in educating herself about many religions.
Throughout her life she made countless friends whom she cherished deeply. Anywhere she went, Junie could make a friend. She brought smiles, laughter, and kindness to everyone she came across.
She is survived by her daughters, Zanah and Honorah Maggio.
We’ll remember Junie as a remarkable woman, a loving mom, a loyal friend, and a kind soul. Junie touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and happiness that lives on in all of us.
As per her wishes, there was no funeral but a celebration of life to honor her memory and time on this earth. Her ashes have been scattered next to her dad, mom, and childhood home.
The family would like to thank everyone who reached out to send condolences, flowers, food, and everything in between. Thank you to Ascend Hospice; Lee Draffan, nurse; Ann Lopez, case manager; and Veronica Partee, home health aide. Thank you to Sister Teresa at Sister Servants of Mary of Kansas City.
