Helen Baum

Helen E. Baum, affectionately known as “Tudy,” passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Bea’s Place at the age of 97.

Helen was born on December 9, 1928, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Charles Joseph Taylor, Sr., and Helen Elizabeth (Kaberlein) Taylor. She graduated from Capitol Catholic High School in 1946.

On May 17, 1948, Helen married her beloved sweetheart, Robert A. Baum, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Together they shared 37 years of marriage until Robert’s passing on November 11, 1985. Helen worked for many years as a cashier at the Goodyear Tire Plant café and later retired from the State of Kansas at the age of 82. Never one to sit idle, Helen volunteered at St. Francis Hospital until her mid-nineties.

Above all, Helen’s life was rooted in her faith and family. She was a devoted Catholic who faithfully attended Mass and remained committed to her daily prayers. Sundays were especially meaningful, often centered around church followed by a home-cooked meal and her homemade rolls, bringing the family together around the table.

Helen was truly the matriarch of her family, a steady source of faith, strength, guidance, and love. Her presence helped shape generations of her family, and the example she set will continue to live on through them. As her family grew, Helen made a point to crochet each grandchild, great grandchildren and other family members blankets as she loved to share her talent, creativity, and warmth. She also enjoyed a little fun along the way, especially trips to the casino and the excitement of trying her luck at the jackpot.

Survivors include her four children, Suzanne “Sue” Powell (Robert), Timothy “Tim” J. Baum (Kimberlee, dec.), Mark A. Baum (Margie L.), Robert A. Baum (Jenie); as well as her loving 22 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren with one on the way, and 10 great-great grandchildren. Other survivors include her two sisters, Margie Taylor and Patricia Hannah.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen M. Schleuder (Leslie); grandson, Gregory Michael Boyett; granddaughter, Samantha E. Baum; five sisters, Delores, Rosemary, Theresa, Mary Ann, and Roberta; as well as two brothers, Charles and Thomas.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 A.M., with a rosary being prayed at 10:30 A.M., at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow and be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., at the church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Helen's memory to Mater Dei Parish for funds designated to the Assumption Tower Fund and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in care of the funeral home.

To honor Helen's memory, we invite you to share your stories, photos, and favorite moments on her memorial page at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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