Margaret L. Sharp

Margaret Sharp, of Topeka, died peacefully at home on Aug 30, 2010. She was a kind, gentle and talented woman who will be missed by all who knew her. Born in 1915, she was the only child of Mary and Arnold Binggeli of St. Joseph, Mo. She moved to Kansas City with her parents at the age of 10. Being an excellent seamstress, she eventually worked at the Missouri Garment Company and became a successful dress designer in the 1930's. She successfully managed 75 girls at the young age of 25. She married Dale Sharp in 1935 and had two children. They moved to Leavenworth in 1947 and to Topeka in 1954 where Dale was an automobile dealer. Margaret did the bookwork for several years. "A wonderful life" she often said. She loved her family, her home, her friends (more recently her younger friends) traveling, entertaining, cooking, sewing and bridge. She played her last game of bridge one week before she passed away at the age of 95. She was a very determined lady struggling through pain to keep life meaningful. Her family is grateful for having her presence in their lives for so long.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Dale B. Sharp, in 1991. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Joy and Jerry Kaplan of Prairie Village, Ks. and her son and daughter-in-law, JB and Nancy Sharp of Topeka, Ks., five grand-children; Jeff Kaplan, Wynne Foster (Greg), Tiffany McBride (Ted), Adam Kaplan (Donika), Ashley Sharp, and seven great grandchildren. Margaret is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Chapter CS of P.E.O. and the Topeka Country Club. Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 1315 S.W. Arrowhead Rd., Topeka, Ks. 66604, The American Heart Assoc., Midland Hospice or First Presbyterian Church, 817 S.W. Harrison, Topeka, Ks. 66612. Funeral services will be held at the Mausoleum at Mt. Hope Cemetery at 4700 W. 17th at 11:00 a.m., Sept. 3rd, 2010. Visitation will be at 10:15 a.m. prior to services. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family. To leave a message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.