Kathryn Mary (Reinertson) McMahon

Kathryn Mary (Reinertson) McMahon, age 71, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at her home in Topeka.

Kathryn was born on December 17, 1954, in Chicago, IL, to Donald J. and Rosemarie C. (Moran) Reinertson. She was born at Mother Cabrini Hospital where her grandmother, Frances Moran, presided as the head Ob Gyn nurse. Grandma Moran was one of the first to hold her and welcome her into the extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

One of Kathryn’s greatest joys was being Sean McMahon’s mother. She felt great pride in Sean’s accomplishments in the US Airforce and in his commitment to his continued education throughout his years of service.

During her 20-year professional career, Kathryn worked in sales for Student Treasures Publishing where she loved chatting with the teachers about their student’s writings. She felt it was her mission to give these children the best product to memorialize their stories and artwork.

Kathryn had a special love for cats, finding comfort and companionship in their presence. An avid reader, she enjoyed the opportunity to escape into the pages of a good book, where there was always another story waiting to be discovered. She took advantage of the local bookmobile and befriended several librarians over the years, widening her reading pleasure from their suggestions. While at times gregarious and outgoing with friends and family, Kathryn truly found comfort in the simple pleasures of life. Reading, watching the birds and small critters in her backyard, loving her rescued cats, Kathryn appreciated the little things. For those who knew Kathryn, they will remember her sharp wit, her ability to cut through to the truth of a matter, and most of all, her ability to inject a sense of” naughtiness” into the most mundane experiences. Friends have remembered her “orneriness” and how much of a “firecracker” she was. Now that vital spirit is what lives on from her life and in her loved one’s hearts.

Survivors include her son, Sean McMahon; three siblings, Donald Jacobs (Kathy), Laurie Schroeder (Tim), and Anne Hunsinger (Dan); along with nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, and one sister, Bonnie Poduska.

A memorial visitation will be held from 12:30 P.M. until 2:00 P.M., on Friday, November 20, 2026, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 P.M., at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made in Kathryn’s memory to the Topeka Cats Association, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.