Cathryn Marie Simmons, 74, of Kansas City, Missouri, died at home on January 17, 2021, surrounded by her family.

Before reimagining her life and becoming an urban pioneer, she was a political consultant with her own firm, which was nationally successful in advancing equality for all. Her overarching principles and vision for what it meant to be a participating member of society was admired. Her life was guided by her early commitment to the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in Missouri; her efforts in the formation of the first-ever voter registration database at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in Washington, DC; her talent for building coalitions; and her never-ending work for social justice.

Most recently, from her home nestled next to her urban farm on Troost Avenue, she was a founding member of the diverse committee that guided the re-zoning and enforceable design overlay for what has been seen as Kansas City's dividing line for over a hundred years. The forces of racial division are to be battled constantly. Justice was peace for Cathryn, and it infected all who knew her. She empowered others to be their best and strongest selves. She was a champion of women, a warrior for equality. She never saw a fight she believed could not be won. She was unapologetically outspoken, and she led by example.

Cathryn was never afraid of change. She was always evolving and challenging others to trust themselves to do the same. She became an accomplished jewelry artist in her retirement. She recreated her lifestyle, work life, and environment fearlessly.

She taught her children and grandchildren more than can be easily listed. She shared with them the soul-changing experience of leaving the Interstate while on road trips and the majesty of America's national park system. She could knit, crochet, needlepoint, and sew. She was the "Stain Queen" and was never without a stain brought to her by her children that she could not remove. Her green thumb was renowned, and she and her life partner participated for years in Kansas City Urban Farms and Gardens Tour events.

Her entire life was fueled by conversation, ideas, and lively debate. To spend time with Cathryn was to stretch your thoughts, beliefs, and ideas. There was never a dull moment in Cathryn's homes. The laughter was epic. There was always room for joy, laughter, and silliness. Finding joy and happiness - tilting the scales on a life filled with loss and challenges that would have defeated others - was one of her greatest accomplishments.

She loved without limits and found a powerful love with her life partner, Lori Buntin. Their love story was a new chapter for both of them. They built a life defined by love, art, gardening, discovery, community, and family.

Her final years of cancer took her beyond the breast cancer that had invaded years before. It entered her brain five years ago and never left. She was valiant through her time in its midst, and her smile seldom wavered. Repeatedly, she displayed grace to its core.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Calvin Price, and by her daughter, Lindsay Christina Simmons. She leaves behind a family who will miss her every day: the love of her life, Lori Buntin; her daughters, S. Sloane Simmons (Harl A. Van Deursen) and Casey Simmons; her grandchildren, Dakota Price Van Deursen and Sawyer Sloane Simmons; a brother, Gary Price; and Ryoko Yamanaka, her sister by choice. Cleo the dog and Dot the cat mourn as well.

Delayed due to COVID-19, a celebration of Cathryn's life that will honor her inspirational spirit will be held when it is safe to gather. The family looks forward to hearing and sharing stories of Cathryn's life and impact.

In lieu of any flowers or food, the family is asking that memorial contributions in Cathryn Simmons's name be made to "The Simmons Family Cancer Research Fund" at The University of Kansas Cancer Center or to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care. Both are organizations that had a huge impact on her life and longevity.

Online donations may be made using these direct links: www.kuendowment.org/give and www.kchospice.org/donation/ or at the following mailing addresses:
- KU Cancer Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Mail Stop 3012, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160
- Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, 1500 Meadow Lake Parkway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri, 64114

A mailing address for Lori Buntin and the family is: 3314 Troost, Kansas City, MO, 64109.