Maria Helena Brown

Maria H. Brown "Oma", 82, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, November 2, 2018 at the Topeka Presbyterian Manor. She was born May 11, 1936 in Bitburg, Germany, the youngest of 11 children of Johann and Elisabeth (Gruber) Neumann.

Maria had resided in Topeka since 1976. She was employed by J.C. Penney for 19 years before retiring. After her retirement she was employed by Walgreens and was a member of the New Beginnings Singing Group. She sang "Silent Night" in German solo at the Festival of Trees every year. She loved to cook and was a great baker. She enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with her grandchildren. Anyone who met her loved her smile and hugs. Her hobbies included gardening and knitting. Scarves are all over town "made by Oma". She loved to travel especially back to Germany. She learned to drive at the age of 50 and found a new freedom! She was a devout practicing Catholic.

Maria married Delton Brown on February 18, 1958 in Bitburg, Germany. Survivors include their children; Darlene Brown, Patricia Menke, Sylvia Chaffin, Gary Brown (Christine) and Lisa Emerson (Cale) all of Topeka; eight grandchildren: Elizabeth Dodds (Kris), Jennifer DeFreece (Nic), Timothy Rutledge, Stephanie Sorell (Houston), Samantha Menke, Kylie Emerson, Tharin Brown and Cole Emerson; six great-grandchildren: Parker, Piper, Haylie, Jayci, Ryli and Rory; one sister Regina Neumann, one brother-in-law Gino Scaccia, and two nieces, all of Germany; and brother-in-law Ronald Brown (Mary) of Louisiana.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents; nine siblings; and her husband Delton Brown, Ret. USAF on December 8, 1984.

A Rosary will be recited on November 9, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. followed by visitation. The memorial service will begin at 11:00 am at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. Inurnment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Great Lakes Caring Hospice Foundation, 3715 SW 29th, Suite 100, Topeka, Kansas 66614 or Alzheimer's Association 3625 SW 29th St. Suite 102 Topeka, Kansas 66614

The family would like to thank all of the staff at Presbyterian Manor of Topeka and Great Lakes Hospice Care for treating her like family. Thank you for your love and care of our mother.