Willa Joleen Sweeney Wilson Udey

Willa Joleene Sweeney Wilson Udey, age 87, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away early Sunday morning, August 2nd, 2026, surrounded by love.

She was born on August 29th, 1938, in Kankakee, Illinois, to Edmund Collins and Hazel Johanna (Overton) Sweeney. Willa grew up on Maple Street, an area that is now a park with a children's playground. Willa graduated from Kankakee High School in 1956. Throughout high school, Willa developed a love for theater and music and continued pursuing her passion at Illinois Wesleyan College for two years. This love of music and involvement in theater continued throughout her lifetime. As a teen, she also participated in pageants, a crowning moment being named Ms. Kankakee one year.

Willa moved to Topeka, Kansas, in 1966, and spent a wonderful yet brief time living with her sister Anita, Anita’s husband Wayne, and their four children: Bruce, Becky, Pam, and Mary. In June of 1966, Willa, Bruce, and Wayne survived the infamous tornado that hit Washburn University by taking shelter in the basement of the Carnegie Library, a very memorable time and story.

Willa worked as a secretary in several different environments during her life. She worked as the secretary to the president of an energy company in Topeka, later moving to Washington, D.C., to work for a legislator.

In December 1970, Willa married John A. Wilson in Topeka, KS, and they made their home in Osawatomie, KS, where they raised two daughters, Courtney and Kelly, and many, many animal friends. Willa stayed home and cared for their children in their early years before returning to work at American State Bank and later the George York School on the Osawatomie State Hospital, where she met Scott Udey.

Willa moved back to Topeka in 2003, where she and Scott spent many happy years together. They enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, attending church, theater productions, music events, visiting art museums, looking at architecture, trees, and flowers. Willa’s children and grandchildren have been an important part of her life; she often checked to make sure everyone was okay and had what they needed.

Throughout her life, Willa was involved in the United Methodist Church wherever she lived, participating in United Methodist Women and singing in the choirs or bell choirs. Willa was active in PEO in both Osawatomie and Topeka, serving in many capacities, including as president. She was involved in community theater in Osawatomie and Paola, with one memorable performance as Dolly in Hello Dolly for a local dinner theater production. She also volunteered for several charities, including Meals on Wheels, Backpacks for Kids, and was a frequent blood donor.

Willa is survived by her husband Scott Udey, brother Edmund “Ned” Sweeney (Carly Bendit), children - Courtney Bruns, Kelly Crozier (Aaron Crozier); “Grammy” to four grandchildren - Maya Bruns, Wilson Bruns, Mason Crozier, and Carson Crozier. She was preceded in death by her beloved sisters Colleen (Sweeney) Bennett, Anita (Sweeney) Richey, and her parents.

The family would like to thank and recognize the staff at Phoenix Home Care, Grace Home Care, Cedarhurst of Topeka, Celebration Villa, Penwell-Gabel, Mount Hope Cemetery, Porterfield’s Flowers, Topeka First United Methodist Church, Elara Caring Hospice Care for their compassion and care of Willa and her family.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, August 6th, 2026 at 11:00AM at First United Methodist Church of Topeka, 600 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66603, with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery 4700 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604.

In place of flowers, please consider a donation to your public library, theater education, art education, or Alzheimer's research. 

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