Vicki Kosmala

Vicki Linn Kosmala, age 71, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband, Paul, and her two children, JD and Jolee.

Vicki was born on February 11,1955, in Topeka, Kansas, to George Thomas and Eva Mae Briggs. In 1980, she welcomed her son, Jonathan Dean (JD). On August 15, 1986, she married Paul Thomas Kosmala of Chicago, Illinois, and together they became a family, with Vicki gaining two stepsons, Robert (Bobby) Thomas and Curt Michael. Their life together took them to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, where they began a new chapter as a family. In 1988, Paul and Vicki welcomed their daughter, Jolee Ann. In 1990, they returned to Topeka, where they continued to build their life together.

Vicki worked for USD 501 in Media Services for many years before retiring in 2015. She cherished her family above all else, and she and Paul were blessed with six grandchildren: Gavin Edward, Brayden Michael, Ava Marie, Wyatt Ray, Dalton Thomas, and Holly Ann. Her grandchildren brought her immense joy, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with them and create special memories together. In retirement, she embraced the things she loved most—enjoying her creative hobbies, spending cherished time with her grandchildren, and sharing laughter and friendship with those she loved.

Vicki was gifted with an extraordinary creative spirit and could turn the simplest materials into something beautiful. Whether she was sewing, quilting, crocheting, creating paper crafts, or dreaming up her next project, she poured her heart into everything she made. Her greatest joy was sharing that creativity with her grandchildren. She was the kind of grandma who was always making something special for them, finding a new craft to try, or turning an ordinary afternoon into a fun adventure filled with creativity and laughter. She had a wonderful way of making each grandchild feel special, and they will treasure not only the handmade gifts she created for them, but also the memories of sitting beside her playing, crafting, creating, and learning from her. Her imagination, generosity, and love of making things brought beauty and joy to everyone around her, leaving behind a legacy that will live on in the many things she made and, most importantly, in the hearts of those she loved.

Vicki was steadfast and unwavering in her faith. She lived with the confidence of knowing where she was going and spoke of the day she would see her Savior, saying that “the glory of heaven will be awesome.” We find great comfort and gratitude in knowing that she is now at peace, resting in the loving arms of Jesus Christ. Her faith was a beautiful part of who she was, and the hope she held in heaven is a lasting gift to all who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her husband, Paul Kosmala; her children, Bobby, Curt (Erin), Jonathan (Loni), and Jolee (Chris); her grandchildren, Gavin, Brayden, Ava, Wyatt, Dalton, and Holly; her brother, Larry (Beth) Briggs; and her sister, Susan (Terry) Kerr.

Vicki will be remembered for her sweet, gentle and supportive spirit, her unwavering faith, her creative heart, and the deep love she had for her family. These qualities touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing Vicki.

A visitation will be held from 10:00am to 11:00am Monday September 21, 2026 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow. Vicki will be laid to rest following the funeral at Memorial Park Cemetery 3616 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, KS 66606.

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