Mary Jane Wilson, 67, of Lawrence, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025. She was born December 2, 1957 in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Edward Vincent and Marie Joan (Bourdon) Kreipe.
She graduated from Topeka High School and attended Washburn University where she earned a B.S. in Mathematics. She went on to earn a Masters in Statistics from Kansas State University and pursued an P.H.D. in Math Education at the University of Kansas.
Mary’s early work as an interpreter for hearing impaired children inspired her to pursue a career in education. She was especially interested in mathematics, teaching students at every level from middle school to post graduate. Mary touched many lives with her love of learning and thirst to share her knowledge.
She retired as a math professor at Haskell Indian Nations University in 2020. Passing her knowledge of mathematics along to Indigenous students was her dream job.
Mary was a proud member of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, as well as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), and Kappa Mu Epsilon. She loved to swim, family, irrational numbers, fractals, and solving mathematical puzzles. She also liked to keep things weird.
Mary is survived by her children, Briana (Keith) Arkenberg and Trevor Wilson; three grandchildren Nicholas Arkenberg, and Levi and Isabella Wilson, Siblings Martha, Bill, Peter, John. Joe, Liz. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Tom.
Join us in celebrating Mary (Pudge) Wilson on Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Tecumseh Park, 4800 SE 2nd St., Tecumseh, KS. Bring your favorite memories of her and enjoy some time together with the people in her life.
Pudge was a force of nature. She lived authentically always dancing to the beat of her own drum. May her spirit soar freely! Love ya, Pudge! Strawberry (Pudge’s nickname for me.)
When we were little I called my sister Janey Bug. In grade school she was Pudge, not because she was fat, but a nickname given to her by our older siblings when she was a ‘pudgy’ baby. In high school she taught me more about the birds & bees and partying than any kid that age should know and according to her, I was a very good student. Our first children were born 6 weeks apart and we always had each other to learn from, lean on and help out. Our second time around the girls were 2 days apart. When I had my 3rd she boldly told me, “youre on your own this time”.
She was 7 years younger than our youngest sibling (I was 9 years younger) and when our two youngest brothers went away to boarding school, we found ourselves home alone with our parents. It was quite a shock going from 8 kids and many friends and neighbor kids in and out of the house, to just the two of us and our parents. We quickly moved to the attic, where the boys had slept and turned it into our own little apartment. Ringing the bell by our back door signaled the neighborhood kids that we were having ‘ neighborhood swim’. Kids would flock to our pool and word would spread for blocks as we ricocheted off the walls for a few hours. We were so fortunate to grow up with many cousins and in a neighborhood full of kids, playing ditchum, riding bikes, sleeping on porches, playing with Patti Blackwood and Jane McNeive’s enourmous Barbie collection, sledding, having snowball fights and having access to Alice Glenn, Jerry and Terry McCart’s basement pool table and arcade were just some of the ways we spent our childhood and teen years.
We were so lucky to have our kids grow up together, along with numerous cousins. So many holidays, sleepovers and day trips to fun places. When our kids were mostly grown, we found ourselves playing Thelma and Louis as we attended outdoor concerts, live bands in bars and dancing in the rain in the electric light district. I think it was at a Sambo’s in the wee hours one morning that she dubbed herself ‘Thelma AND Louise- Fun To The Second Power’, a fitting name for the girl who just ordered a Spank Me Cross Country Omelet at 3 AM!  We supported each other through the trials and tribulations of life and occasionally squabbled like all siblings do.
I was and am so proud of all of her accomplishments, including graduating Summa Cum Laude, with 3 departmental honors and winning the national math competition with her paper on a relatively new math concept, fractals. Earning her master’s degree and retiring as head of the math department at Haskell Indian College. Her love of our native heritage, her involvment with tribal council, pow wows and most of all, the countless hours she spent helping struggling students get up to speed with college math. Her fierce love of and dedication to her children and grandchildren were of paramount importance to her and she was a huge part of their lives
My worst memory of her was when she left for kindergarten every day and I felt all alone. I was 3 years old and clearly remember crying at the door that Mom learned to quickly lock to keep me from chasing after her. We had many long conversations sitting on the roof outside our attic sanctuary and by phone as adults. I’ll never forget the night she talked me into going skinny dipping in the pool at the house we grew up in! When the new owners woke up and caught us in their pool the husband, who was a friend of a freind, simply asked us the be sure and latch the gate when we left. His wife was threatening to call the police, as Pudge peeked her head in the back door and said, “love what you’ve done with the kitchen!”
One of my favorite memories of her was when I fell asleep at an outdoor Blues Festival, after partying for 3 days and nights straight, and woke up to her proclaiming, “ I do believe my sister is solar powered’ as she handed me a Bloody Mary! Thats’s my Mary, Mary Jane, Janey bug, Pudge, Thelma AND Louise- fun to the second power, Sister. I will miss our antics, our long heart to heart convo’s and the sister bond like no other. Taken far too soon. RIP Sis.
Martha and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mary had a beautiful soul. I enjoyed conversing with her every time I see her. She loved to talk. May she rest in peace.
Thanks, Mrs. Wilson, for your teachings RIP
Mary was a wonder! She touched my life at what turned out to be an important time. May she continue to add her sparkle to the Universe in only the way she can!
I got to know Mary Jane ( Pudge) in Jr.high and Topeka high school. She was so fun and definitely a free spirit! My condolences to her family. RIP my friend.
Mary, even when you were busy you always had time for your students, colleagues, and for Haskell. You were a good friend and an amazing instructor. We were lucky to have met you. I wish you all the best and many blessings on the next phase of your journey.
Pudge, you were a member of the coolest neighborhood EVER! I will cherish those memories forever. Rest well, my friend.
Mary, my friend, I know you are in a better place. Thank you for all you’ve done for our students. You were a blessing and I always enjoyed hearing you laugh. You were a bright light in the classroom, you touched so many lives. Blessings as you make your journey home.
Mary Wilson was a great friend. We got to know each other at Haskell with the AISES club and stayed friends. I have great memories hanging out, making fry bread together and telling stories. I wish I would have visited more. She’s gone too young. My heart aches for the family. May you be comforted by the love you shared.
Pudge,
Just so u know, u were the coolest mom. Thanks for letting me back in the house after the basement fire of 93…. Rest easy.
To infinity, Prof!!!
Mary, you were truly a very special person. Love by All who had the honor of knowing you. RIP Dear Friend.
Briana, I’m so sorry for your mama passing. Hugs to you and Keith.