Margaret “Maggie” Renee York

Memorial Mass for Margaret “Maggie” Renee York, 50, Lawrence will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She passed away December 6, 2018 at her home after a long battle with cancer.

Maggie was born on June 13, 1968 in Pittsburg, KS, the daughter of Francis and Faye (Knaup) Thomas. Her parents predeceased her.

She received her Master’s in Speech, Language and Hearing from The University of Kansas and was a Speech Pathologist for Topeka School District 501. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and an avid supporter of the Lawrence Relay for Life where she served as a volunteer, committee chair, and participant for 20 years.

Maggie married Todd York on April 21, 1990 in Baxter Springs, KS. He survives of the home.

Other survivors include her children, Lee C. York (son), Madeline F. York (daughter) both of Lawrence; sister, Jeanne Gaddy (Ben), Pittsburg; and brother, David Thomas (Marcy), also of Pittsburg. She is survived by eight nieces and nephews.

Maggie was a loving mother to her children and devoted partner. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, generosity, and love for her family and many dear friends.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Lawrence Relay for Life and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

16 Condolences

  1. Susie Brooks on December 6, 2018 at 12:46 pm

    York Family,
    We are so sad to hear the news of Maggie’s passing. Maggie was a wonderful friend!
    Are thoughts and prayers are with you! Please let us know if there is anything you need. We are here for you.



  2. Lindsay Walter on December 7, 2018 at 6:29 am

    Maggie, you were truly one of a kind. You were full of humor, exuded kindness, and displayed a genuine interest in learning about and meeting others. I enjoyed working with you in 501 and will always remember you and your immense strength. Prayers for you and your family……



  3. Jeanne Gaddy on December 7, 2018 at 10:02 am

    I love you sissy, Todd, Lee and Maddie!!!!!!!!!!!!!You will be in my heart forever!



  4. Beth Jeff Geiger on December 7, 2018 at 3:06 pm

    We offer our sincere condolences and prayers for comfort to all of your family.
    Beth and Jeff Geiger



  5. Ron and Mary Fortino on December 7, 2018 at 4:07 pm

    Sorry to hear of your loss. I said many prayers for her. I guess the Lord thought her work here on earth was finished and wanted her to be happy with him. God Bless you and your family and give you strength during this difficult time.



  6. Ron & Karlene Susnik on December 7, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    Sorry for your loss.



  7. Mary Scott Robinson on December 8, 2018 at 9:25 am

    York Family,
    I met Maggie last year when we were both transitioning into the new Jardine Elementary School. I immediately knew she was someone I would love working with.
    Her genuine warmth, smile, and gentle voice (I am certain) made her an amazing teacher!
    I truly wish I would have been able to get to know her better!
    May The Lord bless you with wonderful memories , and a peace that passes all understanding.
    Mary Scott Robinson



  8. Denise Larson on December 9, 2018 at 6:27 am

    Working with Maggie was one of the great joys of my life. Having her as a friend exceeded that. I loved her and will miss her deeply. My heart felt condolences go out to you all. You’ve lost a treasure.



  9. Terry Lee on December 9, 2018 at 9:42 am

    I met Maggie when we were both “non-traditional” grad students at KU and her passing is such a great loss. Maggie lit up every room she entered with her smile, optimism, and sense of humor! She had such a big heart! I am so fortunate to have had her as a friend. Todd, Lee, and Maddie, my thoughts and prayers are with you.



  10. janet duncan on December 9, 2018 at 10:00 am

    Dear Todd and family, I so hated to read this today. You’ve always been close to our hearts and this saddens me so much. Too young to go and too soon as well. It’s a hard time to lose a loved one, I know. Would love to visit with you again soon. The Gerald Duncan Family.



  11. Mike Glasnapp on December 9, 2018 at 12:50 pm

    I’m Sorry for your loss



  12. Linette Williams on December 10, 2018 at 8:59 am

    I send heartfelt hugs to the entire family of Maggie. When Lee and my daughter Raven 1st attended Deerfield Elementary I met Maggie as a kindergarten mom and we’ve been friends every since. Not a school function went by without her giving a hug, a smile and always a kind word and compliment. Now as she goes to her destination I leave this scripture Luke 1:37- “For with God nothing shall be impossible”. Although she will be missed the family will become stronger because of her love and legacy. Miss you Maggie, but be free now and continue to bless those you come in contact with.



  13. Beryl New on December 10, 2018 at 1:40 pm

    Topeka Public Schools will truly feel the loss of this beloved and dedicated professional, Ms. Maggie York. Yet, I know that our void in no way compares with that of Maggie’s family. Please know that my prayers are with you and I will continue to keep you in my thoughts throughout the coming days. Thank you for sharing her with us!



  14. Fred Fergus on December 11, 2018 at 11:50 am

    My deepest condolences to the York family. I pray you can find comfort and peace in your moment of sorrow.



  15. Dr. Tiffany Anderson on December 11, 2018 at 8:45 pm

    On behalf of the Topeka Public School District, our deepest condolences are extended to the York family and friends. Mrs. York’s beautiful spirit and her impact on the many families she touched will live on forever. She literally changed a generation of students through her work at our elementary schools and at Sheldon preschool. We met after I began in Topeka in 2016 and spoke about a year ago and she shared how much she loved her work and how important her TPS staff and students were. We were blessed with an educator who shined a light into every situation and she was a light shining into the lives of all she encountered. Thank you for sharing Mrs. York with us, every act of love and kindness is our way in Topeka of remembering a remarkable woman who we were blessed to know. She is a representation of what love and faith looks like in action.
    Dr. Anderson
    Superintendent of Schools



  16. Diane Karpowitz on December 15, 2018 at 3:32 pm

    Dear York Family,
    I was so saddened to hear that Maggie lost her battle with cancer. What an outstanding woman. She was the epitome of kindness and thoughtfulness. I loved her smile. She was always cheering me on at the Relay and it was wonderful to be able to be there with her. I loved getting to know her as your family became a part of mine at preschool.
    Please know that I have a testimony that she is fine and that you will be reunited with her. My prayers are with you.



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