Angela Marie Jirik

Angela Marie Jirik, age 61, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away surrounded by the love of her family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on September 22, 1964, in Topeka, Kansas, Angela was the beloved daughter of John and DuLois (Massey) Jirik.

Angela graduated from Hayden High School in 1983 before attending the University of Kansas, where she earned bachelor’s degrees in Nursing and French. She devoted much of her professional life to caring for others, working for approximately 25 years at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Missouri, most of that time was served in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit. In 2013, Angela returned home to Topeka and began working for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as a Program Manager.

Angela was known for her kindness, compassion, and willingness to help anyone in need. She loved spending time traveling with her family, shopping, and enjoying time with friends. She was also a devoted fan of KU Basketball and Kansas City Chiefs football. No matter the challenges she faced, Angela maintained a positive attitude, a warm smile, and remarkable strength throughout her illness.

Angela's Catholic faith was an important part of her life and provided her with strength, peace, and comfort throughout her illness. While her health prevented her from attending Mass in recent years, her belief in God never wavered. She also had a special love for animals and treasured the companionship of the family pets she adored. The therapy animals who visited during her cancer treatments brought her immense comfort and happiness, and their gentle presence meant a great deal to her.

She is survived by her parents, John and DuLois Jirik of Topeka, Kansas; her brothers, John Jirik Jr. of Topeka, Kansas, and Jim (Nancy) Jirik of Bonner Springs, Kansas; her sister, Tina (Andrew) Zimmerman of Topeka, Kansas; her niece, Tiffany (William) Hartner of Topeka, Kansas; her nephew, Joshua (McKenna) Graves of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and her great-niece, Nora Hartner of Topeka, Kansas.

Angela will be deeply missed by her family, friends, coworkers, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her caring spirit, resilience, and love for others will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched.

A celebration of Angela’s life will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Angela’s honor to the American Cancer Society or Helping Hands Humane Society.