Sydney Beth Nemecek

Sydney Beth Nemecek, 82, passed away August 31, 2024, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living, Lawrence, KS. She was born May 11, 1942, in Norman, OK, to Vivian Michael Stephen and Valda Vinita (Austin) Nemecek. 

Sydney graduated from Pittsburg (KS) High School in 1960. She attended the University of Oklahoma and the University of Kansas. She later attended Pittsburg State University, where she graduated in 1974 with a B.S. in Education with a major in Art.

She worked as an art therapist at Rainbow Mental Health Center in Kansas City, KS. Eventually after relocating to Lawrence, she began working at FMC, Corporation. After retirement from FMC, she worked at Vangent.

Sydney was a volunteer with Bert Nash in the 1980s. She was a team leader at FMC for the March of Dimes Walkathon for numerous years.  She also participated in Jump Rope for Heart for a number of years. She enjoyed being a member of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary and competed in national conventions. Most recently, she was a Douglas County Democrat Precinct Committee Woman.

She enjoyed a number of hobbies. She was an avid Chief’s fan and never missed a game. Shortly after Fire Station #2 opened on Harper St., she began making cheesecakes on holidays for the crew on duty. She enjoyed crafts, house and garden t.v. shows, gardening, and mysteries. She adored her grandchildren and liked finding fun toys for them and creating fun experiences for them.

She was married to Don Gardner on August 12, 1962. They had one daughter together; they later divorced. On September 7, 1990, she married Terry Fewel; Terry had two children who became Sydney’s children, and she also gained a stepson. They later divorced.

She is survived by her children, Leslie Smith (Brian) of Emporia, KS, Tara Grisafe (Jay) of Berryton, KS, Tom Fewel (Bette) of Eudora, KS; grandchildren: Ian Smith, Remy Smith, Rory Smith, Abby Grisafe, Anthony  Grisafe, Eric Fewel, Taylor Fewel, Mason Fewel, Sami Fewel, and Liam Fewel. She is also survived by her siblings Dr. Stephen Nemecek (Potsy) of Chattanooga, TN, and Douglas Nemecek of Pittsburg, KS, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Sally Nemecek, infant older sister, and stepson Tim Fewel.

Sydney chose to be cremated. In lieu of a traditional service, the family will hold a Celebration of Life in the East Gallery of the Carnegie Building, 200 W. 9th St., Lawrence, on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Mom loved colors, and the family encourages others to join us in wearing bright colors to celebrate mom. Instead of flowers, the family recommends donations to the March of Dimes or the Douglas County Democratic Party.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living staff, LMH Floor 2 North nursing staff, Doctors Harms, Luke Huerter, and Marcellino, and Ascend Hospice Care for their kindness, compassion, and excellent care of our mom.