Barbara Lou Brownell

Barbara Meyer Brownell, 81, of Topeka, died November 13, 2010 at Brewster Place.

She was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana on January 4, 1929 the daughter of William F. and Muriel (Speitel) Meyer. 

She married William Mills Brownell M.D. in San Diego, California on November 25, 1955.  He preceded her in death on October 17, 2005.  She is survived by three daughters, Loree Brownell Gaines DVM and husband Ron of Lawton, OK and their sons, Matthew and Mark, Betsy Kabus and her husband Bill Jr. of McLouth, KS and their sons, Bill III, Robert, Benjamin, Bart, Brian and Bradley, Alicia Brownell Curtis and her husband Dale of Topeka, and a son, William Brownell of Charlotte, NC.  She is also survived by three great grandchildren and a brother Jim Meyer of Los Angeles, CA.

Barbara served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as an Occupational Therapist.

She later continued her education towards her teaching degree in English and Special Education.

She was an active member of Christ the King Parish, Daughters of Isabella Little Flower Circle #503, A.A.U.W. and N.A.R.F.E.

Barbara will lie in state on Friday after 2:00 p.m.. at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where a Daughters of Isabella Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 p.m. and a Parish Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m.   The family will received friends between rosaries from 5-7 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church.  Cremation will follow.  Military honors and inurnment will be in Leavenworth National Cemetery on Monday at 1:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Church or Heartland Hospice and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.  Online condolences and fond memories may be made at