Connie Jean Haughey

After receiving a teaching degree from Washburn University, Connie began her career at Alma High School, later transferring to Highland Park. A chance opportunity led her back to her beloved Alma mater, Topeka High School, Go Trojans! Her love of education continued, earning a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Kansas State University.

She was head of the English Department at THS for many years. Her favorite author was Mark Twain, and she frequently entertained her students by quoting many humorous anecdotes. Connie shared his sense of wit, always ready with a quick comeback that could make you smile or laugh out loud.

Connie was married to Ben Sperry for 10 years and was known as Mrs. Sperry to her early students, they later divorced. From then on, she became known as Ms. Haughey to her many beloved students. Connie devoted over 36 years of her professional life to education as a teacher at Topeka High School, where she touched generations of students with her knowledge, patience, and unwavering belief in the power of education. Teaching was more than a career for Connie—it was a calling, and her impact continues through the many lives she shaped. Her granddaughter Whitney has continued her passion for teaching.

She shared her life with her partner of 37 years, Lucy Hrenchir. Connie and Lucy especially enjoyed traveling together, with cherished trips to Arizona, Colorado, California and Utah, where they delighted in beautiful landscapes, time together, and making lasting memories. Connie is survived by Lucy; their children Beth Murray (Carl Newton) and Rita Hrenchir (John Michael Holmberg) and her three grandchildren, Whitney Williams (Briana), Quincey Murray, and Zachary Holmberg, who brought her immense pride and joy.

Connie was a passionate supporter of the arts. She especially delighted in attending her grandchildren’s theater and musical performances and she was a longtime season ticketholder at Topeka Civic Theatre, where she and Lucy rarely missed a show. The arts were not only entertainment for Connie, but a vital expression of humanity and connection.

A friend of Bill W., Connie lived her life with honesty, courage, and gratitude, offering quiet encouragement and understanding to many along the way. She will be remembered for her intelligence, her generosity of spirit, her commitment to growth, and her enduring love for family, community, and creativity.

Connie Jean Haughey leaves behind a legacy of learning, love, and quiet strength that will continue to be felt by all who knew her.

A visitation will be Friday, January 2nd from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brennan Mathena Funeral Home at 800 SW 6th Avenue Topeka, KS 66603. The funeral service will be on Saturday at 11:00 AM also at Brennan Mathena Funeral Home.

Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions should me made to Topeka High School Historical Society, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.