Patricia Lucille Van Sickel

Patricia Lucille Van Sickel, 87, of Topeka, died January 13, 2017 at Stormont-Vail Hospital.  She was born in Hoisington, Kansas on April 21, 1929 the daughter of Harold and Florence (Hickey) Stickney.  Patricia received her Bachelor’s degree in French from K-State and her Master’s and Doctorate in French from Kansas University at the age of 54.  She taught at Emporia State for 15 years.  She was also a Tutor at Washburn University in French and in English as a second language.  She was a volunteer translator for people seeking asylum from French Africa and was a member of the Alliance Francais.  She was also a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.  Patricia enjoyed traveling to Europe with her French students, going to concerts, museums, reading, and doing jigsaw puzzles.  She married Ronald Anthony Van Sickel on February 1, 1951.  He preceded her in death on March 28, 1971 and was also predeceased by two sons, Kevin and Andrew.  Survivors include four sons, Gregory (Sharon) Van Sickel of Whittier, CA, Christopher Van Sickel of Wichita, KS, Matthew Van Sickel of Oak Harbor, WA, and Stephen (Leslie) Van Sickel of Ocean Springs, MS and two daughters-in-law, Delene Van Sickel of Topeka and Robin Van Sickel of Mundelein, IL.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nicholas, Adrian, Angela, Joshua, James, Heather, Ashley, Justin, Ian, Emily, Sarah, and Rebecca and three great-grandchildren.  Her siblings are Marilyn, Kathleen, Lois, Beth, Charles, Richard and Michael.  A sister, Sharon, a brother Terrence, and granddaughters, Celessa and Aubrey predeceased her.  Cremation has taken place.  A memorial visitation will be held at St. Matthew Church on Thursday from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m.  A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the church.  Inurnment will be private.  Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, Huntington’s Disease Society of America, or Covenant House and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas, 66603.  Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.