Margaret E. Willett

Margaret E. (McDonald) Willett

Margaret passed away peacefully on May 9, 2009 in Topeka, Kansas surrounded by her family.  Beloved wife of Quentin Willett who preceded her in death on January 25, 2001.  She is survived by her children, John Willett (Jeanette), Pete Willett (Judy), Peggy Parr (Bill), Elaine Bryan (Ed), Beth Feldman (Dick) and Kelly Willett.  She was the adored grandmother of 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her siblings, Antoinette Marazas, Richard McDonald and Mike McDonald and sister-in-law, Katy McDonald along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Margaret was born April 29, 1921 in Leavenworth, Kansas the daughter of Ralph Edward and Eva M. (Parker) McDonald.  She graduated from Immaculata High School in Leavenworth and later moved to Junction City where she married N. Quentin Willett on June 18, 1941.  She bore her first child in December of 1942 and Quentin left that same evening for duty with the Army in WWII.  From that day forward, she was first and foremost a mother and very proud of her large family.  Holiday and Sunday dinners were always held around Margaret and Quentin’s table laden with her delicious home cooked dishes to serve her growing and extended family.  She will be remembered for her selfless love for her family, her laughter and humor, her common sense and wisdom.  She was an active member of St. Xavier’s Catholic Church in Junction City for many years until their move to Topeka in 1990.  They lived at First Christian Church Apartments until 2002.  She was and will continue to be a source of inspiration to her family.

Mrs. Willett will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Tuesday after 2:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m. followed by special music by her granddaughter and a Parish Rosary at 6:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences may be sent to www.brennanmathenafh.com.