Kathleen "Kathy" Fisher

Kathleen (Kathy) Fisher, 67, passed away at her home on January 14, 2011, after a 14 month battle with bile duct cancer. Kathy was surrounded by her loved ones. Kathy was born on October 14, 1943, in Topeka, Kansas; the daughter of Paul M. and Nell L. (Rankin) Hankenson. Kathy graduated from Topeka High School in 1961 and attended Washburn University from where she graduated in 1980. Kathy is survived by her husband, David H. Fisher, Jr. “Dave” and their 3 children; David H. Fisher, III “Trey”, Topeka, KS; Shane (Sara) Fisher, Winchester, CA; and Shannan (Paul) Ellig; Clermont, FL as well as their 8 grandchildren and her sister, Linda Terrill, Topeka. Kathy married Dave, her swimming coach, in August 17, 1963, and loved swimming all her life. She was a champion diver and backstroke swimmer. Kathy was an avid member of the Briarwood Swim Club for the past 40 years. She taught special education at several schools in the 501 school district and was a 501 job coach for the 3 Topeka high schools at Stormont Vail from 1991 until her retirement in 2010. Kathy was Assistant Executive Director of the Kansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and logged many hours in a KC-135 Stratotanker accompanying Dave who was State Chairman. Kathy was an extremely caring, warm and giving person and loved her family deeply. Kathy enjoyed going to movies and spending summer afternoons at the Briarwood Swim Club, biking and walking on the Shunga trail, and traveling to Chetek, WI for their annual week of fishing. She also enjoyed attending Topeka High School basketball games with Dave for the past 29 years. Kathy always had a way of making everyone feel special and welcome. Her dimpled smile was contagious and children loved her. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd. Kathy’s family will greet friends from 9 to 10 a.m. that morning. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions to Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606. Condolences can be made to the family at starfishdave@aol.com.

Kathleen "Kathy" Fisher

October 14, 1943 - January 18, 2011