Dolores Sharp

Dolores Sharp passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, at Presbyterian Manor in Topeka, KS. Dolores was born August 21,1935 in Washington, D.C. to Ted Sharp and Alice Canter Sharp, the firstborn of 4 girls. The family soon moved to Maplewood, MO., a suburb of St. Louis. She attended schools in Maplewood until 10th grade when the family relocated to Topeka, KS. Dolores graduated from Highland Park High School in 1953. She attended the University of Kansas and obtained her BS in Education from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS.

She taught elementary classes at McCarter School for 5 years in the 1960’s before going to Ocho Rios, Jamaica as a volunteer teacher for 2 years. Returning to the states, she worked for 5 years as a Recreation Therapist at Menorah Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. In 1977 she obtained a MA in Education from the University of Kansas and began her career as an English as a Second Language (ESL) Specialist. She taught ESL in several states including Kansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina. After 9 years in Charlotte, North Carolina, she retired and moved back to Topeka. Dolores was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. For several years during retirement, she volunteered at the Colmery-O’Neil Veteran’s Administration Medical Center with the Recreation Department and with Chaplain Services.

Dolores was predeceased by her parents and a nephew, Patrick Murphy. She is survived by her three sisters, Anita Sharp, Madeline Tollefson (Allen), and Lori Sharp; nephews Cary Murphy (Dawn), Darren Dooley (Laura); nieces Lisa Michaelis (Tye), Gina Broughton; great-nieces Neely Halsey (Jacob), Charly Michaelis, Taylor Knoll (AJ); great-nephews Erin Grimes, Addison Vicedo, Austin Vicedo, Ryan Dooley (Alaina); great-great-nephews Akaias Vicedo, Sylas Halsey and great-great nieces, Willow Knoll and Ruby Halsey.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Presbyterian Manor and Midland Hospice for caring for Dolores.

Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family will have a celebration of life in 2026.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.