Rosemary A. Shoemaker

Rosemary A. Shoemaker, 77, of Topeka, passed away at her home on February 12, 2021. She

died peacefully in the care of her husband and in the comfort of the home which they shared for

the past 57½ years.

Rosemary was born in Topeka, Kansas on October 31, 1943, the daughter of Jacob and Ruby

(Alexander) Weiter. She was a 1961 graduate of Hayden High School. Soon after graduation,

Rosemary began to date her future husband, William “Bill” Shoemaker. They married at Sacred

Heart Catholic Church, Topeka, on August 31, 1963. Their beloved daughter, Elizabeth “Beth”,

was born the following June.

As a young woman, Rosemary worked as an assistant auditor at Sears, Roebuck & Company.

During her 30s, she started working in food service with the Topeka Public School District. She

enjoyed working with the students and especially appreciated the opportunity to be off work

when Beth was off from school. Rosemary worked for the school district until 2000 when she

became disabled after a car accident.

One of Rosemary’s favorite hobbies was playing cards. She played in a bridge club for years

and at least weekly played cards with her mother and mother-in-law. Rosemary and Bill would

often gather with friends to play cards on weekends. Another hobby that Rosemary greatly enjoyed was playing the slot machines at casinos.

Rosemary bowled with a league for a number of years. She was an avid reader of historical romance novels and enjoyed crossword

puzzles and other word games. Throughout her life, Rosemary appreciated music from many

genres including folk, celtic, rock and Americana. As a family, the Shoemakers went camping

every other weekend throughout the summers, often joined by friends and extended family.

Rosemary was a proud wife, mom, grandma and mother-in-law. She cared deeply for her

family, which she extended to her daughter’s friends as well as the Haines family. Rosemary

exuded warmth, love, humility and kindness. People felt comfortable and welcomed around

Rosemary, and many described her as an ‘“angel on Earth.” Rosemary’s generous spirit moved

her to contribute to many charities and social services.

Rosemary is survived by her husband, Bill, her daughter, Beth (Bill) Haines of Kansas City,

Missouri, and their daughter, Abbey Haines. She is also survived by her 3 siblings: George

(Teri) Weiter of Raytown, MO, John Weiter of Brookline, MA, and Betty (Bill) Huffaker of St.

Louis, MO as well as her sister-in-law, Mary Livingston of Kansas City, MO.

Rosemary’s family is comforted by their faith that Rosemary is now at peace and rejoicing in the

company of her parents, her cherished dog Vicky, and her son William Eric, whom she never

had the chance to know here on Earth.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a private Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Mater

Dei Holy Name Catholic Church.

A recording of the funeral service will be perpetually available on the Brennan-Mathena

Funeral Home website by Monday, February 22. A Celebration of Life event will be planned

for later in the year at which time she will be inurned in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rosemary’s memory to Midland Care Hospice or

Topeka Rescue Mission sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave,

Topeka, Kansas 66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.