Mary Diane Parsel

Mary Diane Parsel, 83, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Friday, April 15, 2022. Diane was born July 29, 1938, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the daughter of Kenneth W. and Mary Nagengast Bynum. She graduated from Mount St. Mary’s Academy in 1956. On January 19, 1957, Diane and Augustine “Gus” Parsel wed in North Little Rock. By 1966, she and her family had settled in Topeka. There she raised her four children, while also enjoying a career as an administrative assistant in an ophthalmology office and later working at Edward Jones. Diane was a devoted member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church and worked closely with Beth Mercer to inspire children to pursue a religious education. Diane loved cooking, traveling, golfing, reading mystery novels, cross stitching, and playing the card game Oh Hell with her family every Fourth of July. On a typical day, you might have found her solving a crossword puzzle, hunting down recipes for the next family gathering, or even staying up until the wee hours of the night. The latter of which often led to daytime naps with a book collapsed onto her face like a sleeping mask—a repeated point of teasing from those around her. Nonetheless, her good-humored personality brushed off such remarks. In fact, it was this sunny, open, and loving disposition which made her a natural party host and someone who brought others together. Diane is survived by her husband, Gus; children, Mike Parsel (Mickey), Steve Parsel (Michele), Craig Parsel and Caryl Burris; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Kenneth J. Bynum (Barbara), all of whom loved her and will miss her dearly. Thank you for blessing all of us with your love and kindness. Visitation will be 10 a.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, where a rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Diane will be inurned in Calvary Cemetery, Little Rock, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th Street, Topeka KS 66618. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Mary Diane Parsel

July 29, 1938 - April 15, 2022