Veronica Stafford

Veronica Stafford, 94, Topeka, was called to her heavenly home May 31, 2024. Veronica was a long-time resident of Topeka and parishioner of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic church, where she was active in various church activities. Veronica was born into a German community in Quinter, Kansas, on January 14, 1930. When Veronica was 11 years old, the family moved to Salina, Kansas, and since the family only spoke German, she had to learn to speak English for school. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School and Marymount College, both in Salina, She earned a degree in teaching and taught for a few years. Veronica married Donald (Don) Stafford, August 23, 1950, at Sacred Heart church in Salina, Kansas. They settled down in Salina and started their family. They were married 61 years and were blessed with eight children. Veronica taught herself to do upholstery and started her own business, Stafford Upholstery, which allowed her to work in the home and be there for her family. Veronica was a woman of many talents and enjoyed many hobbies, including sewing, crocheting, embroidery, painting and crafting. She greatly enjoyed her grand, great, and great-great-grandchildren. Veronica was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents Emanuel and Mary Hecker, her sister and brother-in-law Evangeline and John Jilka; sister Irene Fiffe; brother Vernon Hecker; brother-in-law Chuck Rider; brother-in-law Roy House; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Darrell and Jean Stafford; daughter-in-law Angie Stafford; son-in-law Tim Riddle; grandson Joshua Brown, and nephews Stephen and Gregory Stafford. She is survived by her eight children: Patricia Stafford, Roberta (Terry) Brown, Thomas Stafford, David (Krista) Stafford, Mary (Lloyd May) Stafford, Paul (Kristy) Stafford, all of Topeka; Christine Riddle (Minden, NV) and James (Joni) Stafford, Winslow, IN; 30 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; sisters: Louelle (Jim) Clennan, Delores Rider, Donna House, sister-in-law Jackie Hecker, brother-in-law Al Fiffe and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Kevin Brennan Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish, Topeka, Kansas, Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Mass will be held at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 SW 17th St. Topeka, KS 66604 on June 6, 2024, at 12 p.m. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Phoenix Home Care and Hospice; or the Macular Degeneration Association. Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Veronica Stafford

January 14, 1930 - May 31, 2024