Carolyn Blair

Carolyn Condron Blair, 68, of Topeka, died Sunday, March 21, 2004 at her residence.

She was born July 26, 1935 in St. Joseph, Missouri the third daughter of Joseph William and Mary Josephine Ackenhausen Condron. At the age of 5, Carolyn began entertaining at events in Topeka singing and dancing and at the age of 9 had a private recital at the Kansas City Conservatory of Music as a classical pianist. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1953 where she sang in leading roles in several musical productions including Brigadoon.

She attended Monticello College for Women in Alton, Illinois in 1955 and attained a BA Degree in Communications and a Degree in Education from Washburn University in 1958. She was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority and was voted the the May Fete Queen in 1957, the Alpha Psi Omega Dramatics Fraternity and was featured in several Washburn University theatre productions. She pursued a professional career in acting as a member of Actors Equity at the Barter Theatre in Abington, Virgina and in New York. Carolyn's professional career included employment as the Adjunctive Therapist for the Kansas Rehabilitation Center For The Blind, part time Society Copy Writer for the Topeka Capital Journal, Ray Beers Clothing Company, Christian Music Director for radio station KDVV-FM from 1977-1978, the Kansas Attorney General's Office mailclerk, five years as Bill Historian for the Kansas Legislature and two years as Docket Clerk and at the Calendar Desk of the Kansas Legislature, Volunteer Director of St. Francis Health Center from 1983-1985 and was the Gift Shop Manager at St. Francis Health Center from 1986-1995. As a volunteer, Carolyn taught public speaking at Most Pure Heart of Mary School and was elected to two terms on the school board of Most Pure Heart of Mary School. She served on the Board of Directors of Topeka Civic Theatre and was the receipient of the 1977 Warehouse Workhorse of the year award. She was also a member of the Mulvane Art Museum Women's Board and served as Past President of the Knollwood Garden Club. She was recently honored with the Washburn Alumni Associations Distinguished Service Award. She was a member of Most Pure of Mary Catholic Church.

She married Merle R. Blair on September 19, 1959 in Topeka. He survives. Other survivors include her son, Brett J. Blair and his wife, Shanna of Houston, Texas, Three grandchildren, Cole, Taylor, Trey and step-granddaughter, Brooke. Her son, Daniel N. Blair of Wichita and four grandsons, Luke, Shane, Blake and Will, Her daughter, Angela Blair Garbe and her husband, Clayton and granddaughter, Grace Blair Garbe of Overland Park, Ks. Her sisters, Mary Lou Kiene, Janice Remmele and husband, Paul "Fritz" of Topeka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am Wednesday at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Mrs. Blair will lie in state after 9 am Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, where the family will receive friends after 6 pm and a Wake Service will be held at 7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Health Foundation, Washburn School of Nursing, Washburn Theatre Department, Most Pure Heart of Mary Building Fund, or Midland Hospice Care. Online condolences may be left at www.penwellgabel.com.