Jeannette Goldsmith

Jeannette Goldsmith, 94, of Topeka, Kansas passed away on November 6, 2026 surrounded by love.

She was born on July 27, 1932, in Frederick, Kansas, to Louis Clark and Marie A. Mathis (Romstedt). Growing up she attended Ottawa High School, graduating on May 26, 1950. Earlier that very same day, she married the love of her life, Raymond Goldsmith. During graduation that evening, she actually missed her name being called because she hadn’t gotten used to her new last name just quite yet!

Together, they raised 3 sons, Michael, J. Edward, and John. Being a boy mom was not for the faint of heart, and the boys kept her on her toes, but Jeannette wouldn’t have had it any other way. Jeannette and Raymond spent more than 62 wonderful years together until Raymond’s passing on November 26, 2012.

Her working career started in the insurance industry where she worked for National Reserve Life for many years, and then New York Life for several years after. Jeannette became determined to change careers. She enrolled at Washburn University and received her nursing degree in just 3 ½ years where she went on to work at St. Francis Hospital.

Jeannette was a quilter extraordinaire. Throughout her lifetime she made hundreds of beautiful quilts, blessing many people with her work. However, her talents went far beyond quilting. From tatted lace, knitting, cross stitching, to even making her own clothing, if there was handcraft, she knew how to do it.

Beyond the craft room, she served on the board of Doorstep Inc., was a member of the Mensa Society, and numerous quilting groups including the Topeka Quilt Guild.

Known for her quick wit, warm heart, playful nature, and the joy she brought to those around her, Jeanette will be fondly remembered for the laughter, love, and countless memories (and quilts!) she leaves behind.

She is survived by her three sons, Michael Wayne (Lari) Goldsmith, J. Edward (Kathleen) Goldsmith, and John Clark (Janet) Goldsmith, all of Topeka; sister, Dorothy L. Stevenson, and three grandchildren, Ryan Kirkpatrick, Adam Scott, and Rayna Joanne Goldsmith.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Raymond.

A memorial service will be at 11:00AM on Tuesday, November 24, 2026 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Avenue Topeka, KS 66604, with a visitation one hour before. Private inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Door Step Inc.

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