Rose Anna Niland

Rose Anna Niland, 69, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, March 31, 2022.

She was born December 19, 1952, in Leavenworth, Kansas, the daughter of Robert and Roseline (Grady) Seymour. She graduated from Tonganoxie High School in 1970. After graduation, Rose attended the Kansas State Teachers College at Emporia, Kansas and received her Bachelors Degree in Education in 1974. She later attended Emporia State University and obtained Masters Degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Library Science.

Rose was employed by Mission Valley High School for 41 years as a FACS teacher and librarian, retiring in 2015. While working with the school district, she sponsored FCCLA and traveled with her students to statewide and national competitions. Her passion was developing young leaders through FCCLA while encouraging service in their community. She was influential to the young adults she met throughout her teaching career. Rose served on many state and local boards as well as committees. She was an active judge for 4H in Wabaunsee and Geary counties. Rose won many statewide and national teaching awards.
She was a member of the Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church of Topeka since 2004 and active in the church.

Rose was a proud Relay for Life participant in Wabaunsee County after her initial cancer diagnosis. She and Paul enjoyed traveling to many destinations including trips abroad to Ireland, Scotland and France and cruises to Alaska, New England and San Juan Islands. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening, spending time with friends. Rose enjoyed reading and was part of a book club with her friends and started a student book club at Mission Valley. Rose loved her dog, Daisy, and spoiled her rotten.

Rose married Paul Niland on July 10, 2004 in Topeka, Kansas. Their love story began while they were teaching at Mission Valley during hall duty.

Survivors include her husband, Paul Niland; brother, Robert Seymour and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, James William; her parents; and sister in law, Tina Seymour.

The family will greet friends from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66604. A mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00am on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church, 1114 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church, 911 SW Clay Street, Topeka, KS 66604 and the American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

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