Mitzi Torrence

Mildred Wallace Torrence , 91, of Topeka, beloved wife, loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend passed away on Sunday, September 10th 2023. "Mitzi" was born April 7th, 1932 in Baltimore, Maryland to Kathryn Carter Wallace and Louis Arnold Wallace. She was the youngest of three girls; Mary Elizabeth Brown of Topeka, KS and Dorothy Donaldson of Baltimore, Maryland both of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Forest Park High School June 1950, she then worked as a medical stenographer for the University of Maryland Med School. In January of 1956 she married Robert F Torrence in Baltimore, Maryland. She then moved to Kansas so he could pursue his degree in Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University. In June of 1961 the Torrences opened The Animal Clinic of North Topeka which they owned and operated until April of 1995. Her husband of 50 years preceded her in death 18 years ago this week. Mitzi is survived by their two daughters, Patti Torrence of Topeka, Jenny Torrence. She is also survived by her granddaughter Addison Keegan Harris (Lou Woody) of Lawrence and her beloved caretaker and friend Cookie Johnson. Mitzi had many adoring nieces and nephews, as well as a multitude of "adopted" grandkids who will miss her presence in their lives. She welcomed countless friends to her home over the years and you were always greeted with a hug and offer of a cold drink, with ice. If you were truly lucky she might offer to share her ice cream with you!

Mitzi enjoyed photography, genealogy, music of all kinds, bowling, and was an accomplished tole painter. After their retirement Doc and Mitzi enjoyed traveling both around the states and abroad to England, Ireland, Canada, Scotland, Wales, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand. After losing Doc, Mitzi kept making memories with "her girls" visiting the Mediterranean and Scandinavia, as well as driving across the British Isles with her daughters and granddaughter. She will be remembered as a lady who was full of life, laughter, adventure, courage, and strength. Mitzi will be missed by all who met her!

Graveside Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Rochester Cemetery 1200 NW Menninger Road, Topeka, KS.

Celebration of life will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 29th, 2023 at Serendipity 820 N. Kansas Avenue.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages a donation to the NoTo Arts District or the Helping Hands Humane Society.

To leave a message for her family online, please visit the guestbook below.