Norma Jean McIntyre

Norma Jean McIntyre, 78, of Topeka, died January 15, 2013 at St. Francis Hospital. She was born on a farm, south of Harper, Iowa on January 30, 1934 the daughter of Harold E. and Alma E. (Dumont) Gabel. She was a graduate of Sigourney High School where she married her high school sweetheart, Richard in 1951. A military family, she and Richard lived across the country and in Germany, raising a family of five children. They settled in Topeka in 1976 where she worked at Hancock Fabrics for 17 years as the Assistant Manager. She was an accomplished seamstress and porcelain doll maker. Norma was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church. She is survived by her husband, Richard McIntyre of the home, their five children; Rick McIntyre and wife Cindy of Newtown, CT, Steve McIntyre of Wichita, Greg McIntyre and wife Tina of Springfield, VA, Darrin McIntyre and wife Jackie of Wichita, and Kelly Diehl and husband Kevin of Topeka. They have ten grandchildren; Branden, Alyssa, Taylor, Dylan, Trey, Josh, Chad, Ryan, Kristopher, Jacob and her great grandchildren, Logan, Emma, Caysen and Logan. She is also survived by her siblings, Don (Virginia) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Larry (Linda) of Colleyville, TX, Bob of Concord, NC, Carolyn of Little Rock, AR, and Sharon (Mike) of Emmetsburg, IA. Norma will lie in state at St. Matthew Catholic Church on Thursday after 4:00 p.m. where a Parish Vigil Service will be at 6:00 p.m., the family will receive friends until 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Matthew Church 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.