Grace Gillgannon

Grace M. Gillgannon, 97, Topeka, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2014, at her home, surrounded by her family. Grace was born October 20, 1916, in Delia, the daughter of Thomas Stephen and Mary Alice Kelly Hanrahan. On October 15, 1935, Grace and Ignatius “Mike” Gillgannon were united in marriage. They enjoyed over 57 years together. Mike died December 31, 1992. After Grace’s retirement from the Santa Fe Railroad, her previously hidden artistic talent presented itself in her beautiful paintings, ceramics, porcelain doll-making and gardening. Grace had always been a wonderful seamstress, tailoring and upholstering as well. She was dearly loved, exceedingly creative and extremely hard working. Grace has been a member of Mater Dei Holy Name Church since her family moved to Topeka in 1942. She is a member of the Daughters of Isabella, the Garden Club, Travel Club and volunteered at St. Francis Health Center. Grace is survived by her sons, Jerome (Ruth), Thomas, Patrick “Mike” (Marijean d.9/11/09); daughters, Beverly, Mary and Constance “Connie”; 18 grandchildren, Michelle, Sabrina, Cassie, Shawn, Erin, Timothy “Shannon”, Kelly (dec.), Cecelia “Cece”, Kevin “Scott”, Edward (dec.), Kimberly, Mark, Michael, Kristi, Stephen, Julie, Mindy, Troy; 27 great-grandchildren, Curtis, Sarah, Crystal, Mariah, Patrick, Mandi, Levi, Joshua, Kaylee, Gracie, Madison, Brooke, Kaley, Christina, Iian (dec.), Jesse, Kyler, Bradyn, Quinn, Emma, Mia, Casey, Jack, Molly, Samuel, Cameron, McKinley; and three great-great-grandchildren, Bronx, Oliver, and Lila Grace; her siblings, Helen, Donald, John, Margaret, Shirley and Robert. Grace was also preceded in death by her siblings, Eugene, Leo, Lorriane “Dolly”, Pauline, William, Bernard and Thomas. The Daughters of Isabella will lead a rosary at 4 p.m. Sunday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where family will greet friends until 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Mater Dei Holy Name Church. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Grace’s name may be made to Grace Hospice, 3715 SW 29th Street, Topeka KS 66614 or to Angelman Syndrome Foundation, in the name of Emma Pruitt, (Grace’s great-granddaughter) 4255 Westbrook Drive, Ste 219, Aurora IL 60504.

Grace Gillgannon

October 20, 1916 - February 4, 2014