Marilyn J. Lee

December 25, 1938 - January 20, 2024

Marilyn Joyce (Helms) Lee, 85 of Topeka, KS, left this world on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Marilyn was born in Topeka, KS to Cyrus Joy and Ella May (Barnett) Helms.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings; Lloyd, Margerette, Letha, Eva, Clayton, Cyrus, Dale, and Virginia "Tizzy." She was also preceded by her former husbands, James H. Plachecki and Karl M. Lee, and her cherished son, Thomas "Tommy" E. Plachecki.

She is survived by her daughters Patty (Galen) Buck, Janet M. Campbell, both of Topeka, Nancy (Roger) Masenthin of Rose Hill; grandchildren; Jordan (Teresa) Plachecki, Brittany (Alister) Latemore, Lacey (C.J.) Morawitz, Sarah (Jake) Burnett, Ryan (Alicia) Masenthin, Reanna Joyce Masenthin; and great-grandchildren; Tyson and Jada, Clairyn and Cayson, Rogan, along with many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn graduated from Topeka High School in 1956. She excelled in business with a knack for numbers, proudly declaring "I was born to be a bookkeeper." Her strong work ethic, tenacity and intelligence led to a successful career that spanned nearly 40 years at Topeka Metal Specialties where she excelled as a certified bookkeeper, customer service representative, and purchasing agent. Her colleagues knew her as an intelligent and interesting presence in the workplace, someone who worked hard and took pride as she said in "a job well done."

Marilyn was a roller skating instructor in her youth. She was fiercely independent, purchasing her first car the year she graduated high school, undeterred by the fact she had yet learned how to drive. Her love for cars would continue all her life. Her cars included "57" Chevy, a VW "bug," (2) Mustangs and so many other sweet rides.

Marilyn's interests were as diverse as her skills. With a passion to learn she enjoyed working with her hands, sewing, decorating, flower gardening and all things computer related. Being self-taught she built her own gaming computers, each having a unique theme and name.

Marilyn's zest for life included love, laughter and a quick witted humor that kept people smiling. She had a giving spirit and a kindness for everyone including her beloved family, friends, work friends, and in the end the some very special people from Midland Care and staff in the facility where she resided. Mom will be dearly missed, but with faith and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ we know it's not good-bye but see you again.

2 Corinthians 5:7-8 KJV
For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

John 11:25 NASB
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in me will live, even if he dies."

Visitation will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Parker-Price & Davidson Funeral Home, 245 NW Independence Topeka, KS 66608. The service will begin at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, Midland Care, or your charity of choice.

Marilyn's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.

To leave a message for her family online, please visit the guestbook below.