Margaret L. Comeau

Margaret L. Comeau, age 98, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, education, and unwavering devotion to her family.

She was born on August 9, 1927, in rural Rooks County, Kansas, the daughter of Arthur Lewis and Julia J. (Coupal) Berland. Raised on the family farm near Palco, Margaret grew up during the Great Depression, where she learned the values of hard work, resilience, and deep faith. Surrounded by her siblings, she experienced a childhood rich in love, adventure, and strong family roots that would shape the course of her life. She attended school in Palco and graduated from Palco High School in 1946.

On June 9, 1946, Margaret married the love of her life, Raymond Joseph Comeau, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Zurich, Kansas. Together, they began a life rooted in faith, family, and service, eventually settling in Iola, Kansas. Margaret furthered her education at Fort Hays Kansas State College, preparing for a life dedicated to nurturing others.

Margaret’s calling as a teacher was evident early on. With a deep love for children and a heart for service, she became the first in Allen County to establish the Head Start program, impacting countless young lives and families. She was a devoted educator who formed lasting bonds with her students, offering not only instruction but encouragement, guidance, and care. Her influence as a teacher extended far beyond the classroom and remained a lasting part of her legacy.

Throughout her working career, Margaret held several roles, including serving as secretary at Iola High School, bookstore manager for Allen County Community College, and personnel director for Thompson’s Poultry, later Tyson Foods. She was also a clerk on the board at the A.N.W. Special education cooperative from 1981-1998. In each position, she was known for her dedication, leadership, and strong work ethic.

Margaret and Raymond also shared a passion for bringing people together. They opened the Pizza Palace and an A&W Restaurant in Iola, creating spaces filled with warmth, hospitality, and community connection. These ventures reflected their love of people and their desire to serve others in meaningful ways.

After 27 years of marriage, Raymond passed away on September 12, 1973. Though she faced profound loss, Margaret remained steadfast in her faith and devoted to the family they built together.

Margaret was the heart of her family, a true matriarch whose strength, wisdom, and unconditional love guided generations. She cherished time spent with her loved ones and found joy in cooking, sewing, reading, playing bridge, and tending to her yard and garden with great care and pride.

Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Margaret was active in the Altar Society, St. Michael’s Guild, and funeral dinner ministry. She also faithfully brought Communion to shut ins, quietly serving others with compassion and grace.

Margaret’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith in action, a life devoted to teaching, serving, and loving others. While her passing brings sorrow, her family finds great comfort in knowing she lived her 98 years with purpose, dignity, and grace. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and strength that will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Survivors include her six children, Michael (Rita) Comeau, Noelle (Stephen) St. Clair, Judy (David-dec.) Comeau, Marian (Bob) Lovenshimer, Patrick (Laurie) Comeau, and Kelly Comeau. She always leaves behind 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 5 great- great-grandchildren with one on the way, and two sisters, Doris Ostrowski and Delores Jean Hake.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond Joseph Comeau; three brothers, Richard, Bill, & Dean Berland; as well as two sisters, Mary A. Ruder and Helen Harrison.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 A.M., followed by a parish rosary being prayed at 10:30 A.M., at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2700 SE Virginia Ave., Topeka, KS 66605.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow and be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., at the church.

A graveside inurnment will take place at 11:00 A.M., on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Highland Cemetery in Iola, KS.

Memorial contributions can be made in Margaret's memory to Midland Care (Memo Line: Pace Program). Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

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.