Maria Marlin

Maria Toomer Marlin, 59, of Topeka, passed away at her home April 4, 2011.

She was born June 30, 1951, in Mobile, AL, the daughter of Benjamin and Mary Catherine (Moster) Toomer.  Maria received a bachelor’s degree from Spring Hill College, Mobile, and a master’s degree in education from Washburn University, Topeka.

Maria served in the Jesuit Volunteers Corps as a teacher in Omak, WA, for two years.  She also taught at St. Anthony Padua School in New Orleans for eighteen years and Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Topeka for eleven years.  She was a reading specialist at Holy Family School until May of 2010 and engaged in many charitable works despite struggling with the effects of chemotherapy.  Because of her compassion and ability to speak Spanish fluently, she endeared herself to the Spanish-speaking community and they to her.

Maria loved life and all those around her. She is survived by her husband, Terry E. Marlin, her mother, Mary Catherine Toomer of Topeka, a sister Catherine Ann Toomer and her husband Bob Fecas of Atlanta, GA, two brothers, Benjamin Gerard “Gerry” Toomer of Denver, CO and James M. Jordan of Mobile, AL.  Others include a niece, Mary Cloud, a nephew, Simon Cross, an aunt and numerous cousins.

Maria was a member of Mater Dei Parish.  She will lie in state after 5:00 p.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where a rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Holy Family School Emergency Assistance Fund in care of the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.