Sharon Kay Arace

Sharon Kay Arace, 63, of Topeka, died June 30, 2013 at her home. She was born in Topeka, Kansas on February 21, 1950 the daughter of G. Nicholas and Marguerite (Slusser) Arace. Sharon worked as a Scrub Nurse in Labor and Delivery at Stormont-Vail and later became a Certified Kansas Horticulturalist who became the Grounds Keeper and Supervisor at Stormont-Vail where she earned the Lamey Award in 2000. After retiring from Stormont-Vail she used her horticulture degree at Sam's Club where she worked in the floral and produce departments. Sharon was a member of Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church and was a devoted Christian who prayed the rosary and was a collector of crosses, angels and inspirational cards. She loved gardening and won many gardening awards. She created a grotto in her own yard for prayerful reflection. Sharon loved the outdoors and was an avid photographer of nature. She will be remembered for her love of her family, friends, strawberry jam, her humor and for always "having her ducks in a row". Sharon is survived by one sister, Carol Arace of Topeka, two brothers, Nick (Karen) Arace of Kansas City, Ks., and John (Terri) Arace of Topeka, her best friends, Sandy and Susan, her nieces and nephews; Heather, Michael, Jenni, Michelle, Angelica, Nicholas and Lucas and ten great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Laura Michels. Sharon will lie in state at Mater Dei Holy Name Church on Friday from 9-10 a.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Mater Dei Holy Name, Grace Hospice, Helping Hands Humane Society, and TARC and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, KS 66603.