Mary Fern Brumit Hellman

Mary Fern Brumit Hellman, 99, Lawrence passed away in her sleep on October 22, 2023 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, with family by her side.  She was born September 6, 1924 in Slater, Missouri the daughter of Russel and Mary Etta (Cook) Brumit.

Mary was very simplistic in life. Her love of the Kansas Flint Hills, the Rocky Mountains, and traveling the United States.  Caring for the family home and tending to her red geraniums. The time she spent with her siblings was priceless to her. Watching her and the sisters in the kitchen laugh and tell stories was a humorous story in itself. She adored her nieces and nephews. Sending birthday cards to every family member meant the world to her.  Keeping contact with close neighbors over the years never dwindled. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack W. Hellman, her parents, Russel and Mary Etta Brumit; her in-laws Christian and Eva Hellman, her siblings, Lela Eileen and Stanley R. Page, Edith and M. Arthur “Art” Twilling, Dorothy Mildred and Wallace M. Metcalfe, Russell Otis and Ruby H. Peterson Brumit, Wayne Eugene Brumit, Wilmer “Bill” J. and Mary Katherine Spreitzer Brumit, her brother-in-law, Rick and Jane Van Doren.

She is survived by her son, Gary B. Hellman, grandchildren, Chad J. Hellman and Kyley B. (Todd) Engle, great-grandchildren, Lillian J. and Aidan T. Hellman. Her love for each, words cannot describe.

In lieu of donations the family suggests to plant a tree or other perennials in Mary’s memory.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

4 Condolences

  1. Cindy Fletcher Adams on November 11, 2023 at 3:02 am

    Mary and her family were our neighbors as a kid growing up in 25th Street. Mary’s nursing skills came in handy when my Mom cut her wrist and was bleeding all over the place. Mary came over, took control and got my Mom the medical help she needed. During the June 8, 1966 tornado in Topeka, Gary thought we should come over to his backyard as he could “see the tornado perfectly” from there! May Mary rest in peace; she was a lovely person!!!



  2. Larry Morris on November 12, 2023 at 10:02 am

    Gary–sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. May all the great memories of her help you get through your loss.



  3. Amber Rochelle on November 12, 2023 at 1:32 pm

    Mary you will forever be in my heart. You are forever loved🙏🏼



  4. Joanne and Verne Dow on November 12, 2023 at 1:50 pm

    Verne and I lived next door to Mary, Jack and Gary on West 25th Street in Topeka. They were great neighbors and friends. We were transplanted Iowans who came to love Kansas since we had such wonderful neighbors. She will be missed as we kept in touch usually on
    birthdays and at Christmas. She was a wonderful lady and we were so happy having then as neighbors. =



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