Bernadette Pearl Hecker

Bernadette Pearl Hecker, 89, of Topeka, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Rolling Hills Assisted Living in Topeka.

She was born February 15, 1935, in Blaine, Kansas, the daughter of Martin Victor Horgan and Teresa (Bennett) Horgan.

Bernadette graduated from Blaine Rural High School in 1952. She was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and Aglow International.

Bernadette worked for the State of Kansas on the Board of Nursing.

She enjoyed coloring, painting, shopping, and listening to music. Bernadette loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and attending family reunions.

Bernadette married John “Jack” Hecker on October 4, 1958. Jack died in 1963.

Survivors include siblings, Carmaleta Drum of Topeka, Kansas, Michael Horgan and wife Ruby of Celina, Texas, and Cheryl Randel and husband Eldon of Scranton, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.

Bernadette was preceded in death by her parents; and infant daughter, Diana Marie Hecker, in November of 1961; siblings, Mary Knight, Rose Mallon, Lilian Horgan, Ruby Lewis, June Knox, and Leo Horgan.

A rosary will be prayed at 9:30am Saturday, November 9, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am. Inurnment will follow at 2:00pm at the St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery, in Wamego, Kansas.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Topeka Rescue Mission, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.