Lois Conlin

Lois I. Conlin, 87, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2014. Lois was born June 26, 1927, in Wakefield KS, the daughter of Clarence and Alice (Carlstrom) Carpenter. She graduated from Wakefield Rural High School. Upon graduation she moved to Topeka where she worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for a number of years. Lois and her husband-to-be, James Conlin, lived across the street from each other. They saw each other every day at the bus stop and fell in love. James proposed to Lois at the Kansas State Fair on September 12, 1946, at the top of the ferris wheel. They were united in marriage on January 18, 1947, in Topeka and enjoyed 43 years together. He preceded her in death on November 23, 1990. Lois and her husband owned and operated The Cheese Pantry, gourmet food shop and delicatessen in the Brookwood Shopping Center in Topeka. Lois was the head chef and created the menu for The Cheese Pantry, which was known for its flower pot bread. Following retirement Lois worked as the seafood manager for two Dillons grocery stores in Topeka. Lois was extremely passionate about her cooking. She enjoyed sewing and was very crafty. She was loving, kind and compassionate to everyone she met. Lois put her family first and was always waiting to plant a kiss on the cheek of anyone she met. Survivors include her son, Michael Conlin, his wife Cathy of Topeka; daughter Keri Levering and her husband David of Manhattan; son Sean Conlin of Topeka; and grandchildren Matt and Jessica Levering and Paige and Parker Conlin. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and sister, Mary Ann Thurlow. Lois was cremated and a memorial service will be held 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 4th at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Private inurnment at Mount Hope Cemetery will follow at a later date. Her family is especially grateful to the staff at Aldersgate Village and Grace Hospice for the compassion and care of Lois. Memorial contributions may be made to The Topeka Rescue Mission, PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608.

Lois Conlin

June 26, 1927 - September 24, 2014