Risë Quinn

Risë Ann Quinn, 67, Topeka KS, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family, after a tough and extremely courageous battle with cancer. Risë was born on February 17, 1955, in Kansas City MO, the daughter of Warren and Norma (Wullschleger) Blakely. She graduated from Manhattan High School in Manhattan KS in 1973, attended Concord Career College, earning her Associate of Applied Science degree as a Medical Assistant, and in May of 2008, she graduated from Manhattan Christian College earning her Bachelor of Science in Management and Ethics degree. Risë married Tom Tom Quinn on September 27, 2008, in Topeka where they resided. During the years they shared they were the best of friends and a few days before her passing, they both agreed that their marriage was “99% good.” They shared a love of traveling, art, wine tasting and spontaneous adventures. Risë was proud of many things in her life but nothing topped the love for her children and grandchildren. She was fortunate enough to care for three of her local grand-babies from newborn to their school years. Risë was proud of her accomplishments outside of family as well. In 1999 she was responsible for Governor Bill Graves signing a bill recognizing Medical Assistant Appreciation Day in the state of Kansas. In 2007, Risë received the Distinguished Sales & Marketing Award for her work at Lower Heating & Air. For the last 16 years she held a benefit golf tournament every October for Breast Cancer Awareness. Risë was a hard worker, often carrying more than one job at a time because she loved it. There is a common consensus held by those for whom she worked that she changed their businesses for the better. Most recently, she sold wine for Calini Wines and boy, was that her passion! She enjoyed working, shopping, traveling, wine, reading and crafting but Christmas was her favorite. She had 176 fully decorated Christmas trees: decorating and showing them off was a true highlight for her. Risë is survived by her husband, Tom Tom Quinn, of the home; children, Ashley (Craig) Wehr of Wellsville KS, Tyler (Micala) Wudarczyk of Wakarusa, KS and Amanda (Dustin) Bates of Joplin, MO; five grandchildren, Brayden, Andie, Emma, Blake and Bailey; her mother, Norma Blakely of Manhattan; as well as many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, January 30, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where her funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 31. Graveside service will follow at Valley View Cemetery, Manhattan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association and/or Interim Health and Hospice of Topeka and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Risë Quinn

February 17, 1955 - January 24, 2023