Tomasa Sapata

Tomasa M. Sapata, 91, of Topeka died Monday, October 3, at her home.  She was born in Topeka, Kansas on March 7, 1925, the daughter of Calixto and Concepcion (Marquez) Martin.  Tomasa was a homemaker and daycare provider in her own home for many years.  In her younger years she worked for Seymour Foods.  She enjoyed her family, spending time with her grandchildren, and flower gardening.  Tomasa was an awesome “Tamale” maker and an excellent cook.  She enjoyed playing BINGO and going to the casino.  She was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.  Tomasa married Inocencio Ivan Sapata on March 15, 1944 in North Carolina while he was in the military.  They recently celebrated 72 years of marriage.  He survives.  She is also survived by her children. Carol Ann (Mark) Handshy, Sally Sapata, Joseph (Thelma) Sapata, Cindy (Kevin) Boland, Debbie (Dennis) DeForest, and Lisa (Darrin) Fanning all of Topeka,  two sisters, Agapita Cabellos of Montebello, CA, and Augie Hernandez of Topeka, 17 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by eight siblings, two granddaughters, Molly and Jessica and a great granddaughter, Gabrielle. Tomasa will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Sunday after 2:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. followed by a Parish Rosary at 5:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church.  Interment will follow at Penwell-Gabel Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Topeka Junior Blues or St. Matthew Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas   66603.