Alice Clare Wright

Alice Clare (Brownfield) Wright, 88, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2008 at Stormont-Vail hospital. She was born in Westmoreland, Kansas, June 11, 1919. Her father, Clarence Brownfield, died of influenza prior to her birth. She lived on the Scott Family farm with her Grandparents until her teenage years when she and her mother, Helen Scott Brownfield, moved to Topeka. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1937, earned her BA degree from Washburn University in 1941 and her Masters degree in education from Emporia State.
Alice Clare was a teacher. During World War II, she taught boys physical education at Berryton High School because the male teachers were in the War. She had a long career with the Topeka Public Schools, teaching English and Reading at Topeka High School, East Topeka, Highland Park, and Eisenhower Junior High Schools.
She served as First Lady of Topeka during the years her husband served as Mayor of Topeka. She was a member of Delta Gamma social sorority, Nonoso honor sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma teacher's sorority, P.E.O., Daughters of the American Revolution, a 50 year member of O.E.S, Topeka High Historical Society Board of Directors, First Congregational Church and many other organizations.
The Washburn Alumni Association recognized her in 2003 with the Distinguished Alumni Service Award. She also received the Mike Gwinner Award from the Mid-America Christmas Tree Growers in 1996.
She was a life member of the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association. She and her husband grew and sold Christmas trees at their Lecompton farm and Alice Clare was well-known in the Christmas tree industry for her contributions.
She was married to Charles W. Wright for 63 years, and is survived by her husband and her three children, Charles W. Wright III, Danville, Virginia, Douglas S. Wright, Topeka and Catherine C. Howard, Lecompton, 6 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Known to many of her friends as 'Sally', she enjoyed attending Kansas University basketball games with her grandchildren and Washburn University football and basketball games with her husband. They established a scholarship to benefit Washburn athletics. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chuck and Alice Clare Wright Athletic Scholarship in care of Washburn University, 1701 College Ave, Topeka, KS 66626.
Cremation is planned with inurnment at the Mt. Hope Mausoleum following a funeral service at First Congregational Church, 17th and Collins at 11am Thursday, March 6, 2008.
Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.