Karen (Weissbeck) Matthews

We are devastated to announce the passing of Karen (Weissbeck) Matthews, 86, of Topeka, Kansas. Karen left us on May 13, 2024, suffering from the side effects of treatments for Breast Cancer. Karen was an island of graciousness in a sometimes disagreeable world. She was a loving wife, sister, aunt, and friend. She was born in Meriden, Kansas. The last of eleven children to Joseph and Barbara (Dreiling) Weissbeck. She graduated from Hayden High School in Topeka and attended Mount St. Scholastica in Atchinson, before graduating with a degree in Education from Washburn University in Topeka. She went on to earn a Masters of Education from Emporia State. Karen taught at Brookside Elementary in Kansas City, Kansas, then at Parkdale, Belvoir and Whitson Elementary Schools in Topeka. A majority of her teaching career was at Whitson Elementary where she was teacher of the year in 1985 - 1986. her legacy is not in a big house, huge savings account or travels to exotic lands. Her legacy is the impact she had on the lives of the thousands of students she inspired. She married the love of her life, Thurlow (Matt) Matthews, July 29, 1970. They were an inseparable force until Matts passing in November 2020. Karen is survived by her sister, Mary Jane Murray (Leawood KS); and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Helen Weissbeck, Adelaide Penn, Annette Kresie, and Colette Peyton; brothers, Edward Weissbeck, Norbert Weissbeck, Robert Weissbeck, Donald Weissbeck, and Eugene Weissbeck. Karen loved many things; dogs, cooking, collecting recipes and cookbooks, sipping wine, reading, friends, family, watching birds, sending cards for every occasion, and traveling with Matt. She is known to have only disliked three things; clowns, building gingerbread houses, and FOX news. Her family and friends will miss visiting Karen's house where when leaving you were always encouraged to take something with you. No one was allowed to leave empty handed. Visitation will be at 6 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, Kansas 66614. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church, 1114 SW 10th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66604. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society or Dolly Parton Imagination Library in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Karen (Weissbeck) Matthews

January 15, 1938 - May 13, 2024