Annie Kotich

There are people you meet, people you know, and people you will remember. Ann Marie “Annie” Kotich is one that you will remember. Born February 27th, 1974 in Topeka, KS, Annie fought the odds from that day on. A life full of grit, Annie would refuse to say “I can’t” for anything. Following a career in corporate business, Annie returned and graduated Washburn University with a BA in English Education and a BBA subsequently serving as a middle school English and Reading strategies educator in the Wichita and Kansas City Metro Area. During her time working in metro areas Annie believed that graphic novels were a way to capture a student’s love for reading. As Annie would say, “When students are given a voice and a choice, they tend to flourish.” As a teacher; perspectives from parents, fellow teachers, and principals mattered little when they didn’t know best. Annie was not afraid to stand up and fight when administrators cared more about score cards than students while she loved and cared for the children in the classroom. Annie stood up for what WAS RIGHT and inspired creativity, knowledge, and hard work. Her passion exuded beyond curriculum, she loved students, clearly evident by her being awarded the once-a-year recognized “Sunflower Award” in 2020 after being nominated by a student for making an impact in their life. It was no surprise that the award was nominated by the students she taught rather than any governing board. In her off hours, Annie enjoyed writing young adult fiction, a perfect cup of coffee, and taking her late boxador Gatsby on walks around the city. Ever the fashionista and Edgar Alan Poe enthusiast, Annie journeyed the world spending time with her beloved nephews and nieces but always ensuring she was the best dressed in the room. Annie passed away on December 5, 2023 after battling cancer for over two years and giving cancer one hell of a fight; the only way we knew she would. She passed peacefully surrounded by her mother, Linda, and her siblings Victoria, Michael, Rachel, and Mark. She leaves behind her loved nephews and nieces of Michael and Tammy Kotich; Tristan (17), Phoenix (14), Layla (12), Leilani (2), Maverick (7 months) and of Rachel Kotich; Ramona (15), and Carmen (10). The rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. Thursday, December 21, and family will greet friends after until 7 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd. Topeka KS 66614. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 22, at 10 a.m. at Christ The King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th St. Topeka KS 66614. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the grant that Annie's family has created called "Annie's Write Up" to promote students' creative writing and inspire young writers to achieve their dreams. You may send donations to the funeral home or go to the GoFundMe page set up by her family. - www.gofundme.com/f/annies-write-up

Annie Kotich

February 27, 1974 - December 5, 2023