Obituary: Mary Kay Bachmann Dowd

Services for Mary Katherine “Mary Kay” Riedel Bachmann Dowd, 60, Topeka, will be at 11 a.m. today, April 7, 2004, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Topeka. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka.

Mrs. Dowd died Thursday, April 1, 2004, at St. Francis Health Center in Topeka. She was born Oct. 24, 1943, the daughter of Clara Streckfus and Joseph Andrew Riedel.

In 1961, she graduated from Hayden High School. She was a graduate of Washburn University.

She was founder and president of the board of directors of the YES Learning Center McLouth.

In 1989, Mrs. Dowd joined the sales team of Maintenance Engineering, a supplier of commercial lighting.

Before that, she owned The Tree House clothing store. Mrs. Dowd was involved with the American Business Women’s Association and was selected as Woman of the Year in 2001.

She was active at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and served on its endowment board.

On March 18, 1989, she married Matthew J. Dowd.

Survivors include her husband, Judge Matthew J. Dowd, Topeka; two sons, Ty Bachmann, New Bern, N.C., and Sgt. Michael N. Dowd, who is stationed overseas; five daughters, Cara B. Schroeder, Atlanta, Tara B. Wineinger, Chicago, Kathy M. Bartlett, Seattle, Liz M. Aldrine, Dallas, and Trish Dowd Kelne, Lawrence; her mother, Clara B. Riedel, Topeka; a brother, Joseph Andrew Riedel Jr., Atlanta; three sisters, Margie Weidenbaker, Topeka, Patt Papenfuhs, St. Louis, and Barbara Riedel O’Leary, Kansas City; and six grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Most Pure Heart of Mary Endowment Fund, 1800 S.W. Stone, Topeka, 66604; Hayden High School, 401 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, 66606; American Business Women’s Association, Mid Day Chapter’s STRUT Scholarship Fund, made payable to Topeka Community Foundation, and sent to P.O. Box 911 Topeka, 66601; and Shawnee County Drug Court, sent in care of Topeka Community Foundation, 5431 S.W. 29th St., Topeka, 66614.

Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.