Dr. Patricia "Patty" Kay Pressman

Dr. Patricia (Patty) Pressman, 81, passed away at home on June 3, 2024, surrounded by her family, after a year of declining health.

Patty was born in Manhattan, Kansas on August 5, 1942, to Thomas and Harriet (Harrison) Miller, at The Saint Mary Hospital.

Patty was a lifelong Topekan, graduating from Topeka High School in 1960. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics from Kansas State University (1964), her master’s degree in education from Emporia State University (1975) and her PhD in School Administration from Kansas State University in (1985).

She was employed her entire 39-year career with USD #501, Topeka Public Schools, before retiring in 2002. During her tenure with USD #501 she held several different assignments including home economics teacher, Instructional Specialist & Curriculum Instruction, Director of the Adventure Center, principal at Landon Middle School, and principal at Topeka High School. In reminiscing over her career, she described her position as principal at Topeka High, as “the best job I ever had!” Patty’s career in education touched many people and it was rare that she didn’t run into a former student or colleague.

She was a member and past board member of Temple Beth Sholom. Patty was very active in the Topeka community, having served on several boards including Topeka United Way (President), Stormont Vail Board of Directors (2000-2015), Stormont Vail Auxiliary (President), Stormont Vail Auxiliary Group 8, Shawnee County Library Foundation, Topeka Civic Symphony, Civil Service Review Board, League of Women Voters (Shawnee Co. President), Kansas League of Women Voters (President), Leadership Topeka, CASA, IDEA Fellowship, member of Alpha Chi Omega – Gamma Zeta (KSU), and a 50 year member of PEO, EP chapter, in which she was still an active member.

Patty especially enjoyed spending time with her daughter and granddaughters. She loved Baxter, her loyal dog friend and companion. She enjoyed traveling, reading, shopping, cooking and volunteering. In retirement she spent time with her close friends and family having lively conversations while discussing the current political climate or cheering on the KSU Wildcats over a nice Beefeater gin martini with a twist of lemon.
Patty married Lawrence (Larry) Pressman on August 15, 1965, in Topeka, Kansas. They shared 55 years of marriage before Larry proceeded her in death in 2022. Together they had one daughter, Rene.

Patty is survived by her daughter, Rene Pressman (Topeka, KS), two granddaughters, Ida Rae Pieschl (Culver, Indiana) and Madelyn Kay Pieschl (Overland Park, KS), her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Barbara (Pressman) & Gary Sondergard (Goddard, KS), niece, Shannon Sondergard (Wichita, KS), cousins Cheri Iarossi (Topeka), Christy Guhr (Joplin, MO), sister Joyce Stranberg (Topeka, KS), two grand dogs, Lucy and Linus, and two great-grand dogs, Bentley and Bailey. Patty was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, her parents, Thomas and Harriet Miller, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leo and Idaleone Pressman, family dog, Baxter, and sister, Linda Anderson.

Patty’s family will greet friends from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66604. Memorial service will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 10:00 am at Penwell-Gabel, inurnment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, Topeka High School Historical Society, or to a charity of their choice.

To share a memory of Patty or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.

Patty's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.