Mary C. (Appelhanz) Allen, 89, of Topeka, passed away Friday, March 26, 2021.
She was born December 4, 1931, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Hefner) Applehanz. She attended Hayden High School where she graduated in 1950.
Mary married Olan D. Allen on August 9, 1958 in Topeka, Kansas. They owned several businesses in the Topeka community where she helped with managing them. She worked at their grocery store, helped with renovations at their apartment complex, ran a home daycare, and later retired from Stormont Vail Hospital. Mary was a Jill of all trades.
She enjoyed traveling throughout the Midwest, taking care of kids, fishing, playing bingo,going to the casino and gardening. Mary loved decorating for the holidays. Her and Olan enjoyed hosting parties for friends and family. She was known for baking, specifically her sugar cookies and decorating cupcakes.
Ms. Allen was a member of the Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church, of Topeka for many years.
Survivors include her son, Darrell D. (Leah) Allen; grandchildren, Matthew Stovall, Haley (Tim) McVey, John Stovall, Alexandria B. Flowers and Julia (Augustus) Ramirez; God daughter, Rose Pinard; seven great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Ike Applehanz and Leonard Applehanz. She was preceded in death by her husband, Olan D Allen; daughter, Colleen Rene Stovall; her parents; six brothers and one sister.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Aldersgate Village for their care for Mary over the years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, April 5, 2021 at 11:00am at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church, 1114 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66606. The family will greet family and friends on Friday, April 2, 2021 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66604. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:30pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association - Topeka 3625 SW 29th St. Suite 102, Topeka, KS, 66614 or Helping Hands Humane Society 5720 SW 21st, Topeka, KS, 66604-3720.
To leave a message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.