Mary Catherine Hurla

Mary Catherine Hurla, 92, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the home of her son surrounded by her family.

She was born December 15, 1916 in Topeka the daughter of Erwin F. and Nora L. (Bushey) Miller.

Mary  babysat for the neighbor’s kids and her grandkids in her home for 30 years.  She was briefly a cook for the Assumption Grade School.  While living on the farm she and her husband raised “wheat, cows and kids”.

She was a founding member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church and was a member of various card clubs.  Mary also enjoyed dancing and traveling.

Mary was married to Anthony J. Hurla on February 1, 1936 at the Assumption Catholic Church in Topeka.  He preceded her in death on May 31, 1981.  Also preceding her in death was a daughter Charlotte Hurla on February 11, 1937 and a son Charles Hurla on April 29, 1952 and her siblings, Lola Blumenstock, F.L. “Lloyd”, Flora, Clyde, Charles, Harry “Bud”, Bernadette “Bernie” and Kenneth Miller.

Survivors include five sons, Michael E. (Judy),  John A.,  David L. (Kathy), Louis B. (Kathy) all of Topeka and a son Stephen E. (Shirley) of  Evans, CO., three daughters, Margaret Montgomery, Dorothy (Steve) Hammer,  and Carolyn  (Alan) Lawton all of Topeka.  She is also survived by a sister Frances Wicker of Indianapolis, IN., thirty-five grandchildren, fifty-four great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

Mary will lie in state at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church on Monday after   4:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Community Hospice or Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 S.W. 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.