Mary A. Appelhanz

Mary A. Appelhanz, age 92, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024, at Oakley Place of Topeka.

She was born the daughter of Ira and Emma (Weisbender) Smith on November 14, 1931, in Topeka, KS. Mary attended Holy Name Grade until 1945 and was a 1949 graduate from Capitol Catholic High School. She then furthered her education at St. Francis School of Nursing, graduating in 1952, as a Registered Nurse. She worked on and off through the years in nursing and retired after 20 plus years in May of 1986. Mary excelled at nursing and the care she gave to her patients. She was cited for “outstanding leadership and dedication to the nursing profession,” as well as being named the winner of the recuperative care center’s Employee-of-the-month. She was active member of the St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center Nurse’s Alumnae.

On June 1, 1953, she married Leonard A. Appelhanz at Holy Name Church. Mary and Leonard lived in Topeka their entire lives, enjoying 71 years of marriage until Leonard’s passing on June 6, 2024.

She enjoyed reading, cooking and her specialty was making pies. Mary was active with Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, serving with the Women’s Fellowship, as well as a member of the Hayden High School Alumnae-Booster Club. Spending time with family brought her the greatest joy.

Mary was proceeded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard; and a sister, Patricia Sapp.

Survivors include her five beloved children and their spouses, Catherine (Randy) Pritchard of Meriden, Connie (Danny) Pritchard of Topeka, Christopher (Barbie) Appelhanz of Topeka, Carrie (Rodney) Roberson of Silver Lake, and Charles (Tracy) Appelhanz of Topeka. Other survivors include 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, and step-great grandchildren.

She will lie in state from 5-7:00 P.M., on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, with a rosary at 6:30 P.M., at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Mary's memory to Birthright of Topeka, 512 SW 7th St., Topeka, KS 66603. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.