Josephine Ann Halley

Josephine Ann Halley left our world on Mother’s Day, May 10, a few days before her 95th birthday. She lived a fulfilling and productive life, of which this will truly just touch the surface.

Jo’s life began nearly a century ago on May15,1931 in Lawrence, KS. During her early life, she was a farm girl. She lived with her family on several farms in Kansas, first in Eudora, and then in Topeka where she rode her pony to school to attend a one room schoolhouse. She graduated high school in Harveyville, KS. She then went to college at the University of Kansas where she received her Registered Nursing degree. While there, she met and married her lifelong partner, Max. She worked as a nursing instructor at University of Kansas Medical Center, then subsequently in Buffalo, NY, and New Orleans, LA. She ultimately settled in Topeka with Max and raised 5 children to be productive members of society. After years dedicated to child rearing, Jo earned her real estate license and enjoyed finding perfect homes for her clients. In her retirement she traveled extensively, both within the United States and abroad.

Jo was an unassuming woman of extraordinary energy and talent. She ran a beautiful and organized home where she tended an extensive perennial garden. She was a good cook, and with little apparent effort had a meal for 7 on the table every night. She enjoyed trying new menus and impressed her family when she was the featured cook in a full-page article in the Topeka Capital Journal. She was active in the community in numerous ways, including membership in the First Congregational Church, service on the board at Brewster Place Retirement Home, and creation of a scholarship fund at the School of Nursing at Washburn University. She valued friendships derived from longstanding memberships in PEO and the Knollwood Garden Club. She enjoyed tackling new endeavors including an investment club, yoga, and swimming lessons at age 80.

Jo graciously provided care and support for countless people throughout her life. That was returned in kind during her battle with dementia by family, special friends, and most notably by her beloved husband of 72 years who has been steadfastly by her side.

She is survived by husband Max Martin Halley; children Franklin Halley, Susan Halley (Robert Dowsett), Steven Halley (Dorthy Stucky Halley), Joanne Halley (Thomas Rogers - deceased), and Van Halley; and beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren whom she adored. Special thanks to friend Penny Magistro for many years of involvement in Jo’s life, and to all of Jo’s team of compassionate caregivers.

She will be missed.

A memorial service will be held on July 3, 2026, at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1701 SW 17th St., Topeka, KS 66604. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jo may be made to the KU School of Nursing. Checks may be made payable to “KU School of Nursing” with “Josephine Halley” in the memo line and sent to KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS. 660044. Alternatively, donations may be made on-line at www.kuendowment.org/givenow.