Mary Kay Bachmann Dowd

Mary Katherine “Mary Kay” Riedel Bachmann Dowd, 60, Topeka, died Thursday, April 1, 2004, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka after a brief illness. She was born Oct. 24, 1943, the daughter of Clara Streckfus and Joseph Andrew Riedel. She attended Most Pure Heart of Mary Grade School and graduated from Hayden High School, Class of 1961. She was a graduate of Washburn University. In 1989, Mary Kay joined the sales team of Maintenance Engineering (ME), a premium supplier of quality commercial lighting. Her dedication and exceptional professionalism earned her many quarterly and yearly awards, including being the only female member of the Top Ten Sales Club for the past four years. Prior to joining ME, Mary Kay was the owner of the clothing store The Tree House. Mary Kay was involved with the American Business Women’s Association and was selected as Woman of the Year in 2001. She was active at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and served on its Endowment Board. She was founder and president of the board of directors of the YES Learning Center McLouth. On March 18, 1989 Mary Kay and Matthew J. Dowd were married. She loved everyone she met and they in turn loved her. She was a role model for all of her family, friends and business colleagues. She lived her life by the slogan "Let Go and Let God." She was the "Light Bulb Lady" and did indeed light up everyone's life. Mary Kay was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Andrew Riedel. She is survived by her husband, Judge Mathew J. Dowd, Topeka; her daughters: Cara B. Schroeder & husband Michael K. Schroeder, Atlanta; Tara B. Wineinger and husband Samual Wineinger; Chicago; Kathy M. Bartlett, Seattle; Liz M. Aldrine and husband Baron Aldrine, Dallas; Trish Dowd Kelne and husband Adam Dowd Kelne, Lawrence; sons: Ty Bachmann and wife Jill McNamara-Bachmann, New Bern, NC; and Sgt. Michael N. Dowd; mother Clara B. Riedel, Topeka; sisters: Margie Weidenbaker, Topeka; Patt Papenfuhs, St. Louis; Barbara Riedel O’Leary, Kansas City; and brother Joseph Andrew Riedel, Jr., Atlanta; six grandchildren, and many loving family members. Mary Kay Bachmann Dowd will lie in state from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church. A parish rosary will be prayed at 5:30. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church on Wednesday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m. followed by burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions be made in Mary Kay’s name to: Most Pure Heart of Mary Endowment Fund, 1800 SW Stone, Topeka, KS 66604; Hayden High School, 401 Gage Blvd, Topeka KS, 66606; American Business Women’s Association, Mid Day Chapter’s STRUT Scholarship Fund, made payable to Topeka Community Foundation, sent to P.O. Box 911, Topeka, KS 66601; and Shawnee County Drug Court, c/o Topeka Community Foundation, 5431 SW 29th Topeka, KS 66614. Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Kay Bachmann Dowd

January 1, 1753 - April 1, 2004