Anna Margaret Bricker

Came in a pandemic… left in a pandemic. Anna Margaret Walker Bricker left us peacefully on June 10. What she saw in that lifetime! World War I was still being fought. The Spanish flu was just beginning. Her teenage years were the Depression. She married on Christmas Day since Clark could only get three days off during that time because of some secret work he was doing. She got Security Clearance to type his thesis. Korea. Color television. Men visiting the moon. Viet Nam. Three kids— two of whom they adopted. 9/11. Email. The Gulf War. Losing a son. The Great Recession. The Covid-19 pandemic. And always she kept her spirits high and her attitude upbeat. And her smile.

Ann was born June 1, 1918 in Railroad, York County, Pennsylvania to Amber Stake Walker and Clifford Owen Walker. She graduated from New Freedom PA high school and attended Thompson Business College in York, PA. She worked as a secretary at the Seiling Furniture Co., Johns Hopkins University, Heyden Chemical Co., and Princeton University.

She married Clark Eugene Bricker on December 25, 1942. He died June 14, 1994. Before moving to Lawrence, KS in 1963, the Brickers lived in Baltimore MD, Ridgewood NJ, Princeton NJ, and Wooster OH. She lived independently until after her 100th birthday when she moved into assisted living. Until the end she enjoyed her many friends who continued to loyally visit her and was grateful for their kindness. She was always ready to enjoy her favorite foods which included Moo Shoo Shrimp, good crab cakes, raw oysters and sushi.

Ann was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Lawrence KS, where she served as an elder and deacon and a member of Chapter FZ, PEO Sisterhood. She was an active member of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for 35 years eventually serving as its president, volunteered for LINK, Meals on Wheels, and the Presbyterian Manor. She was a member of the Endicott Society of Kansas University, Chemistry Wives’ Club and University Women’s Club.

Survivors include her children Susan Bricker Emery, Chambersburg PA; David E. Bricker and wife Diane, Santa Fe NM; grandson Matthew Bricker, his wife Lauren and their children Liam and Skylah of Denton TX; and sister-in-law Helen Blasser and her daughter, Gretchen of Shrewsbury, PA. Son Bruce and wife Shannon preceded her in death July 3, 2011.

Memorials to First Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Manor or the Kansas University Endowment Fund, Clark Bricker Scholarship fund.

Given the current health care crisis in the world, no services are planned at the present time.

Inurnment in Pioneer Cemetery.

11 Condolences

  1. DAMIEN HUTCHINS on June 11, 2020 at 4:59 pm

    I have never met Ann in person but I been able to talk to her on the phone with Susan. She was a lovely lady who has seen it all throughout her life. I will always think of her when I have Chinese food. Haha.
    My heart goes out to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Many blessings to all those who hold Ann to our hearts. With love always…..Damien Hutchins



  2. Vaun and Sydnie Kampschroeder on June 12, 2020 at 8:26 am

    We have such fond memories of Ann. She was one of Irene Kampschroeder’s best church friends and traveling buddy. They visited us at our downtown Chicago condo, and what fun we had. We enjoyed the many stories of their travels together. On one trip, we took Ann to Hyde Park to see the location where Clark had worked on the Manhattan Project. We loved her stories of their courting and marriage and of their children. We continued to visit Ann after we lost Irene. Ann was a dear, kind person, could always find the best in every situation, loved her family and friends, and was grateful for her good life. We hope the many memories you shared with her throughout her long life will comfort you during this sad time.



  3. Janet Maxwell & Rick Saylor on June 12, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    To Ann’s Family,
    Our hearts are with you as you bid farewell and grieve in these challenging times of the pandemic. It is hard anytime and even more so with the difficulties and restrictions in our lives at this time. May you be filled with grace and peace.
    We considered Ann part of our extended family as we shared holiday meals and special events at the Manor with her and our family. She was a special friend to her neighbor down the hall, Dorothy Maxwell, and to all of us.
    We will always remember Ann’s cheerful spirit, her insightful conversations, her love for everyone and her smile that warmed our hearts.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you remember and celebrate Ann’s life.
    ~~ Dorothy Maxwell, Ann’s longtime friend
    ~~ Janet Maxwell & Rick Saylor (Dorothy’s daughter and son-in-law)



  4. Dawn Trent and Millie Averitt on June 12, 2020 at 7:29 pm

    Mrs. Ann was a friend from Presbyterian Manor. My mother and I enjoyed seeing her bright smile and hearing her friendly “hello”. She seemed calm and content. We were fortunate to get to know her and will remember her fondly. May
    God be with her family. I feel sure she left many happy memories.

    ma



  5. Judy Grier Eckhart, Sara Grier, & Jim Grier on June 13, 2020 at 9:19 am

    We are so sorry to hear of Ann’s passing but we know she had a great life. Ann was a good friend of our Mom, Nita Grier, and they had plenty of laughs and talks during the many years they were at the Presbyterian Manor. Ann was always ready to head out on a car ride or to get together with friends and family … she loved being active and around others. It has been a blessing to get to know her & all your family over the years. Please know you are all in our prayers during this difficult time.



  6. Dennis Kerkman on June 14, 2020 at 1:26 pm

    I was saddened to learn of Mrs. Bricker’s passing. I remember her smile and that her kitchen always smelled of fresh baked bread when our band practiced in the basement. She was a kind, and loving mother. My sincere condolences to David and all of her family and friends.



  7. Jean Burrows Truman on June 16, 2020 at 5:49 pm

    Visits to the Manor were always a little bit better when we got to see Ann as well. It was fun reminiscing about the old neighborhood and hearing updates on all the family. She still had a great memory for someone of her age! The Burrows and the Brickers are neighbors once again. Sending love to all!



  8. Charley kincaid on June 16, 2020 at 11:32 pm

    Dear Susan and David, I could never remember names but I remember yours and Bruce’s because you’re whole family was so nice to me. My dad is at Presbyterian Manor now and enjoyed talking about us and everything else so much with your mother. She and your dad were the best and their kids are pretty good too.



  9. Deb & Bob Werts on June 17, 2020 at 10:15 am

    Dear David, I don’t recall having met either of your parents but you spoke of them and I recall thinking then that you admired both greatly. My mother just passed away on May 27 so wanted to let you know I happen to be experiencing and understand this particular loss and the sadness you are likely feeling. Our condolences to you and Diane.



  10. Dave and Jane Henry on June 24, 2020 at 4:42 pm

    We cherish our memories of sharing many holiday dinners with her and enjoying her wit and sense of humor. God blessed her with a very long and eventful life. She was a very special lady and will be missed so much. We thought the world of her.



  11. Barbara and Dick Schowen on June 29, 2020 at 2:04 pm

    Ann was a long-time friend–always upbeat, cheerful, indefatigable, and such fun to be around. Dick and I first met Ann when she and Clark joined the KU chemistry department the same year we did (1963). Bruce was a small boy at the time and quite a handful! Their daughter Susie and husband Steve were students at Baker when I taught there. Later Ann became part of our monthly “chemistry women’s lunch gatherings.” She always knew the best places to go out to eat. She seemed never to change over the years and we so enjoyed her company. She will be missed.



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