Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home

12/06/2025

Alice Martinez Slater

Alice Martinez Slater, age 64, of Topeka, KS, passed away with her family by her side on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Midland Hospice House. She was born the daughter of Simon and Antonia (Padilla) on November 17, 1961, in Topeka, KS. Alice worked for 40 plus years as a dedicated employee with the Kansas Department of Revenue. Her career enabled her to create many lifelong relationships with her colleagues, and she was passionate about her career. On April...

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12/05/2025

Theresa Virginia Espinoza

Theresa Virginia Espinoza, 89, of Auburn, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Homestead of Auburn. She was born April 19, 1936, in Alamosa, Colorado, the daughter of Theodore and Maclovia Lucero. Theresa graduated from Alamosa High School in 1956 and went on to earn a teaching certificate from Washburn University in early childhood development. She dedicated many years to teaching pre-school, and after retirement, she continued her service to children and families by working in the 501 school district...

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12/02/2025

Larry J. Brinker

Larry J. Brinker, 83, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Prairie Wind Senior Living in Berryton, Kansas. He was born December 8, 1941, in Seneca, Kansas, to Elmer B. Brinker and Luella J. (Hammes) Brinker. Larry graduated from Saints Peter and Paul High School and attended Washburn University. Larry served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1962. He married Virginia “Ginger” Marie Hurla on September 23, 1961, in Baileyville, Kansas. They have celebrated 64...

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12/02/2025

Happy birthday, Kevin! So grateful for the impact you make in our community. We loved celebrating you today with a special birthday lunch from Harold's Prize Package. Here’s to another year of blessings and growth! 🎉

12/01/2025

We are honored to receive the 2025 Retail/Service Merit Award.

Serving the families of Topeka is at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition reflects our commitment to compassionate, dependable care when it’s needed most.

Thank you, Topeka, for trusting us for over a century. It is our privilege to serve this community.

Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home
A legacy of service since 1916.

12/01/2025

Dolores "DeeDee" M. Kennedy

Dolores M. Kennedy, affectionately known as “DeeDee,” passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Topeka. DeeDee was born the daughter of James “Jim” and Sally (Dohrman) Simecka on April 17, 1951, in Wamego, KS. She was raised in a big loving farm family outside of Delia, KS. On January 24, 1976, she married her beloved sweetheart, Steven “Steve” L. Kennedy. Together, they shared almost 50 years of marriage. DeeDee’s working career included...

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11/29/2025

Howard L. Brun

Howard L. Brun, age 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Oakley Place in Topeka. Howard was born the son of Frederick Howard and Ila Mae (Eaton) Brun on August 24, 1942, in Greenleaf, Kansas. On January 19, 1963, he married the love of his life, Marcia Hogan, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kimeo, KS. Together, they shared 62 years of devotion, partnership, and adventure. Howard’s spirit of adventure began early and remained with him his...

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11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we hold our families close in heart.
We are grateful for the honor of walking beside you, especially through seasons of grief and healing.
May today bring moments of peace, comfort, and quiet gratitude for the love and memories that continue to bless your life.
Wishing you a gentle and meaningful Thanksgiving.
— Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home

11/26/2025

John Timothy McCoy

John Timothy McCoy, 64, of Topeka, passed away unexpectedly on November 21, 2025. A memorial visitation with the family will be 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Monday, December 1, 2025, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.

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11/25/2025

Margaret S. Cortez

Marguerita “Margaret” Serrano Cortez, age 90, of Topeka and formerly of Tecumseh, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2025, surrounded by the love and presence of her family. Born on January 10, 1935, to Carlos and Paula (Zendejas) Serrano, Margaret grew up in a home anchored in faith, culture, and strong family values. She graduated from Our Lady of Guadalupe Elementary School and carried a lifelong belief in the power of education, encouraging each of her children to pursue...

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11/20/2025

A year ago we celebrated our buddy’s birthday. We miss you dearly, Domingo.

11/18/2025

Today we were proud to have Marisol serve as Principal for a Day at Jardine Middle School

Marisol spent the morning visiting classrooms, meeting student leaders, and listening to the hopes and goals of the incredible young people in our Topeka community. Experiences like this remind us why staying connected to our local schools matters, our future is sitting in those classrooms.

We are grateful for the invitation and for the chance to support Topeka Public Schools in the important work they do each day.