Mary Freda Morrow Van Sickel

Mary Freda Morrow Van Sickel, 81, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2007 at a Topeka care facility. Mary was a member of Mater Dei Parish, formerly Holy Name Parish for 37 years. She was born on June 12, 1925 in Blackwell, OK, the daughter of James and Frances Meeh Morrow. She graduated from Marysville High School and attended Kansas State University. She married Lt. Col. Vincent Thomas Van Sickel on May 22, 1943. A life-long Army officer's wife, she, Vince and their four children traveled all over the world, finally settling in Topeka in 1970. She leaves to celebrate her life, her husband Vince of 63 years; their children James Van Sickel and wife, Leslie of Topeka, Chris Girard and husband, Tom of Perry; Steve Van Sickel and wife, Chris of St. Louis, MO; John Van Sickel and wife, Denise of Lawrence; eight grandchildren, two great-granddaughters; her younger brother, John Morrow and wife, Darlene of Council Bluffs, IA and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her older brother, Dr. James Morrow. She was called "Granny" by her grandchildren and was famous for her cooking, baking, Canasta playing and above all her sense of humor. She will be dearly missed by all who had the good fortune to know her. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday at Holy Name Church, 1114 S.W. 10th Ave. Graveside committal services will follow at 3:30 p.m. at St. Gregory Cemetery at Marysville, KS. Mary will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, 4125 S.W. Gage Center Dr., Suite LL-15, Topeka, KS 66604.