Penelope Ann Plamann

Penelope Ann Plamann, 77, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born on June 17,1948 in Nashville Tennessee, and was the daughter of Thomas Walter Jr. and Evelyn Gladys Lawson (Thorpe). She attended Topeka High School and participated in the Youth Symphony and Topeka Symphony where she played the Viola as Second Chair. She was a member of Grace Cathedral for many years and later transitioned to Westminster Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed singing, belonging to both choirs, and had a strong spiritual foundation.

She married the love of her life, Ed, on April 29th, 1978 at Grace Cathedral Church in Topeka, Kansas. They became a family which included Penny’s son Jeremy, and Ed’s daughter Sunni. Over the years they enjoyed many social events and activities together.

Penny worked for KIOGA oil and was Secretary to the Kansas State Board of Education. She took an active part in several political campaigns, including helping to elect the first female Governor of Kansas, Joan Finney. She was passionate about women’s issues and giving a hand up to the disadvantaged.

She loved adventure and was devoted to her children, grandchildren, and family. You could always find her in the garden, in a river fly fishing, painting a picture, or cooking some fantastic meal in the kitchen.

Survivors include her loving husband of 48 years, Ed, her son, Jeremy (Thompson), her step-daughter, Sunni (Plamann), brother, Joel Lawson (Linda) of Lee Summit, and two sisters Aleilah Lawson of Port Angeles, Washington, and Carolyn Jones (Danny) of Topeka. She also had two beloved grandchildren, Ewan and Elliott Thompson of Topeka, any many wonderful nieces and nephews that she cherished.

A memorial service will take place on Friday, April 24th, 2026 at 11:00AM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1275 SW Boswell Ave, Topeka, KS 66604. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Helping Hands Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.

She will be greatly missed by all.