Marcella M. Winderlin

Marcella Mildred Desch Winderlin, 96, transitioned peacefully to heaven on February 28, 2013. Marcella was preceded in death by her husband Joe of 54 years, her four sisters, Irene, Emma, Fran, and Lee, and one brother, Leonard. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Tina and Greg McIntyre, her daughter Linda Bundy, granddaughter Michaela Bundy and great-grandson, Iziah Carson. Marcella was a graduate of Topeka Catholic High School Class of 1934 and Strickler Business College, Topeka, which prepared her for her career as a legal secretary. In Topeka, she worked at City Hall and later with Balfour S. Jeffrey, former chairman of the board and president of Kansas Power and Light where she delighted in using her shorthand skills which she continued using throughout her life. She accompanied Joe to California while he served in the US Navy during WWII and held positions at the Benicia Arsenal Army Ordinance Depot, Benicia, California, and the City Attorney?s Office, City Hall, Monterey, California. They settled in Bartlesville, Oklahoma following Joe?s service in the Korean Conflict where Marcella was employed in the Patent Attorney?s Offices of Phillips Petroleum Company then later served as the Veterans Administration Secretary for Region V, Bartlesville. Upon the adoption of their two daughters in 1958, she dedicated her life to being a homemaker and always brightened the home with her simple touches of embroidered pictures, her sewing skills and gardening talents. After a move to Omaha, Nebraska, 1962-1970, and Joe?s retirement as Lt Cmdr USNR, Marcella and Joe returned to make Topeka their home. Marcella had a passion for playing both the piano and organ, never having had any formal training, her natural talent provided many hours of enjoyment for Joe, her girls and many family members and friends. Up through the 1990?s, Marcella was an active member of the Daughters of Isabella and Spaulding Book Club. Although a long-time resident of Topeka, as a gift to her daughter Tina, she moved to Virginia in her last year and most recently had been under the beautiful and compassionate care of Sunrise Senior Living and Odyssey Hospice, Springfield, VA. Marcella will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2013 at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home in Topeka. A Daughters of Isabella Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. followed by a Parish Rosary at 6:00 p.m. The family will receive guests from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In Marcella?s memory, the family suggests masses be said which can be sent to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.