Brenda Dolan

Brenda Ann (Kinsch) Dolan

Brenda Ann Dolan, 50, of Topeka, passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on November 4, 2009, after fighting leukemia for more than two years. Brenda showed a true warrior spirit as she went through numerous treatments by being brave, having a positive attitude and never giving up. She remained upbeat and witty; she continued to make people laugh at her jokes until the very end. She was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Brenda was born in Topeka on June 26, 1959, to David and Virginia Kinsch. She was a life-long Topeka resident and attended Topeka schools, including Kaw Area Vocational Technical School. She had several jobs throughout her life, including St Francis Hospital, the Kansas Department of Treasury and she was most recently employed at the Topeka VA Medical Center until she retired in 2008 due to medical reasons.
Brenda was married to Robert Dolan in 1981. They divorced.
Brenda had many interests. She was a self-taught horticulturist and she also studied gems and minerals. She lived out in the country with her dogs and cats and chickens until she became ill. She loved animals; she participated in Animal Rescue until she became ill. She was a kid at heart. She loved animation, going to the movies and playing video games but only those that were non-violent. She was an expert on the computer. She was talented at arts and crafts. She loved the Renaissance Festival and attended it many times. She loved to travel. She adored little children and babies.
Brenda loved her family very much and they loved her very much, too. She was friendly and fun and she had many friends. Survivors include her mother and father, David and Virginia Kinsch; her sister Debbie Steers, her brothers Mike Kinsch, Greg Kinsch, John Kinsch and his wife Kathy, all of Topeka, and her brother Doug Kinsch, Lee's Summit, MO. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Jimi, Beth, Mindie, Jay, Janelle, Jake and Adam, all of Topeka, and Logan, of Dover, KS. She is also survived by her beloved black lab, Daisy.
Brenda requested that donations be made to the Capital Area Animal Response Team (CAART), a pet food pantry, in her name. Make checks out to CAART and write "Pet Food Pantry-Brenda Dolan" in the remarks section. Mail donations to: Topeka Community Foundation, 5431 SW 29th, Suite 300, Topeka, KS, 66614. The website is www.shawneecaart.org.
A memorial service will be held on November 15, 2009, 1:00 PM, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence.