Gerda Maria Becker

Gerda “Maria” Becker, 96, of Topeka, KS died July 25, 2017 at her home.

She was born April 14, 1921 in Breslau, Germany the daughter of George and Hedwig (Beier) Tschauder.

Maria was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She loved the church, the mass, rosary and devotions and attended daily mass for most of her life. Maria spoke about Fatima at many parishes. She taught CCD and started the Blue Army Cadets.

Maria had a good sense of humor. She loved children and playing games with them and was known as the “Cookie Lady” at church. Maria was the neighborhood mom and helped heal all the neighborhood pets back to good health.

She married Charles J. Becker on July 11, 1947 in Frankfurt, Germany. He preceded her in death on August 4, 2001. Survivors include her children, Norbert (Sandy Just) Becker of Lake Ozark, MO, Edith Eileen Spriks, deceased, Barbara (Darrell) Rew of Olathe, KS, Charles G. (Kathy Jones) Becker of Topeka, and Dorothy Banks of the home. Twenty-five grandchildren, forty-six great grandchildren and ten great-great-grandchildren also survive. Maria was preceded in death by two brothers, Heinz and Norbert Tschauder.

She will lie in state after 11:00 a.m. Sunday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where a Parish Rosary will be prayed 12:00 p.m. Following the rosary the family will receive friends until 3:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to St. Joseph Renovation Fund, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.