Nancy Mariehendrikx Kindling

Nancy Marie Hendrikx Kindling

Surrounded by her family, Nancy died peacefully at home on Friday, February 19, 2016 at the age of 81.

Born in Rochester, NY on 30 September 1934 to Phyllis A (Montague) and John Peter Hendrikx, immigrants from England and Holland, Nancy grew up in a working class neighborhood on Emanon St. - noname backwards - and never forgot those roots. Excelling in math, upon graduating from Benjamin Franklin High School she wanted to attend Purdue to become an engineer but was told this path was not open to her because she was a woman. She became a Registered Nurse. Working for some time at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL, exposed to the segregated ward as well as the segregated bus, treating trauma and inner city illness there and later at Detroit Receiving Hospital, informed her opinions about health care issues - opinions she would further refine over the years and readily elaborate whenever an opportunity presented. She had returned to Rochester as head nurse in ER when she met and then married Paul Helmut Kindling in 1960. She thought his accent indicated a Boston area origin, not realizing he was from Germany. After he completed medical school in 1961, the couple moved to Detroit, MI for his internship and surgical residency, then to Topeka, KS in 1967.

While raising her family, driving car pools for swim or gymnastics meets, involved in the community,
Nancy decided to further her education at Washburn University, graduating with a BS in Political Science. Nancy's sensitivities about people and commitment to this community were apparent as she devoted much time as well as her heart to activities and causes, often serving in leadership positions in organizations as: Alcohol & Drug Advisory Committee, CASA Citizens Review Board, Crittenden Services, First Presbyterian Church, Judicial Evaluation Commission, Leadership Greater Topeka, League of Women Voters, Mainstream Coalition, Shawnee County Health Board, Stormont-Vail Foundation and Auxiliary, Topeka Symphony League, Topeka Youth Project, United Way Health Care Committee, Washburn Women's Alliance, YMCA Board of Managers. For Nancy, a highlight was her several years' service as Community Representative on the Editorial Board of the Topeka Capital Journal.

Devoted to her family, Nancy created a warm, secure home, was a great cook, laughed often with her many friends and enjoyed company as well as gardening, bridge and music, symphony, Jazz, Broadway, frequently hosting musical events.

Nancy is survived by her husband; children Paul E. Kindling of Columbia, MO, Karen Speaks (Brent) of Wakarusa, KS, Anne Kindling of Topeka, and Kathy Kindling of Lenexa; grandchildren Paul Julian Kindling, Joshua Nold, Michael White, Brooke Speaks, Ben, Caroline, and Sam Little, and Ryan and Jessica Whelan; and great-grandson Brexton White. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Nicholas Lippa and grandson, Jack Dylan Kindling.

A Celebration of Life will take place at First Presbyterian Church, 817 SW Harrison, Topeka on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 4 pm followed by a gathering for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nancy's honor to Washburn Women's Alliance, c/o Washburn University Foundation, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka, KS 66604, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family. To leave the family a special message online, please select the share memories option above.