Maria Munoz Cortez

Maria “Marie” Munoz Cortez, 62, of Topeka, died February 13, 2011 at her home.

She was born on December 4, 1948 in Vallejo, CA. the daughter of Jorge P. and Ramona (Munoz) Cortez.

Marie worked as a teacher’s aide for USD #501.  She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Marie loved gardening, sewing and reading.  She especially loved being around children and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Brown of the home, her children, Denny Ward York and Dena Marie (Jamie) Johnson of Dixon, Mo., their father, Terry York; three step sons, Robert K. Chambers of Boonville, MO., Michael E. (Cynthia) Chambers of Columbia, Mo., Morris A. Chambers of Boonville, MO., her brothers and sisters:  Jesse (Rebecca) Cortez, Gloria Cortez-Leonard (Donnie Leonard), Monica M. Kirby and Richardo (Kim) Cortez all of Topeka; five grandchildren:  Cory, Chance, Miranda, Danielle, and Jacob; and nine step-grandchildren:  Aundrea, Dakota, Grace, Salathia, James, Nation, Lea, Mia and Hope.

Marie will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Thursday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  Cremation will follow with inurnment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.