Irene Hinman

April 8, 1918 - September 13, 2020

We will be live streaming Irene's funeral service Friday, September 18th at 11 a.m. on our Facebook page. When you click this link, it will take you to our Facebook page. You might need to scroll down at 11 a.m. until you see the title Irene Hinman Funeral Mass. KBFFH Facebook Irene G. Hinman, 102, Topeka, Kansas passed away at her home on Sunday, September 13, 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Irene was born at home on April 8, 1918, in Junction City, Kansas during the Spanish flu pandemic to Arthur and Christine Artzer Wright. Irene graduated in 1936 from Topeka High School. She was employed as a bookkeeper for Gregg Tires, McCormick Rug, and Topeka Battery & Tire companies. She also was employed by Crosby Brothers Department Store where she managed the fine china, crystal and silverware department. On December 27, 1941, Irene and Nelson Frank Hinman were united in marriage. They owned and managed Harrison Hall Apartments. For 40 years they cared for not only the building but also for the people who lived there. Mr. Hinman died on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1986. Irene’s faith was her foundation. She was a member of Mater Dei Parish where she stuffed weekly bulletins, helped with Sunday coffee, worked the Fall Bazaar and was a member of the “Holy Rollers” who rolled silverware for the dinners. Irene was presented the Mater Dei Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 in recognition and appreciation of her lifelong commitment to the Mater Dei Parish and School. In honor of her 100th birthday, students at Mater Dei School presented her with a prayer blanket they had made for her. She was given a certificate for volunteering for over 20 years at Let’s Help. Irene also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the election board. Helping others always made her feel good. Family gatherings were noisy, crowded and fun. Irene would fix a big meal with lots of meat, mashed potatoes and pie. The kids ate first shift. The second shift of adults lingered longer but were just as noisy. There were always laughs and a few drinks when the Piersons, Heidenreichs, Lashs and Hinmans gathered. Irene was a hard worker. She did the accounts at the kitchen table, scrubbed the floor on her hands and knees because a mop did not do a good enough job, peeled lots of apples for her famous pie, and made clothes for our dolls. She loved dolls, dishes and her home, but she especially loved watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Although Irene never learned to drive, she walked a lot at a fast pace, took the bus and in later years had multiple friends who escorted her to activities. Irene was known for her faith, strength and especially her caring – caring for her younger sister, her niece, her disabled father, her children, her husband who became ill, her grandchildren and her many friends. Irene was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. God has a special place for such a beautiful, giving woman. Grateful to have shared her life are her children, Mary Agnes LeGresley, Carolin Irene Moore (James), Nelson Frank Hinman, Jr. (Kathy); grandchildren, Patrick LeGresley (Jenny), Sarah Rush (Wade), Matthew LeGresley (Marianne), Lynette Phillips (Jonathan), Branden Moore (Susan), Kathleen Higgs (Tyler), John Hinman (Anna), Mark Hinman; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of dear friends. Irene was also preceded in death by her sisters, Doris Pierson and Helen Heidenreich Gentry. Mass of Christian Burial will be private. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Click on the link at the top of the obituary to view the livestreamed Mass on the funeral home Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mater Dei Parish, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2901 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614.