Margaret (Rusty) Louise Colahan-Sederstrom

Margaret (Rusty) Louise Colahan-Sederstrom, 76, passed away on August 20th, 2025, in Wichita.

She was born in Plainville, Kansas, on September 22, 1948, to Tom and Mabel Colahan. Margaret was the youngest of their children.

After graduating from Plainville Rural High School, she attended Marymount College in Salina, Kansas. While studying nursing at Marymount, she adopted the nickname she used the rest of her life, Rusty, for “her rusty red hair in her younger days and her rusty joints later in life”, she often told folks in recent years. Going to Marymount was one small decision that had a significant impact on her life.

Rusty graduated in 1970 and moved to Denver, working at Beth Israel Hospital. While working there, she met a fellow nurse who became the love of her life, Conrad Sederstrom. They married at Camp St. Malo in November 1972.

From Colorado, Rusty and Con moved to Embudo, New Mexico, where they worked in the small mission hospital, living on the grounds with other staff, taking care of people and animals.

The hospital’s closure in 1974 led them to Wichita. They planned to stay for two years, but instead, they created a fantastic community of friends and family that has spanned over 50 years. Rusty worked as a labor and delivery nurse and lactation consultant at St. Francis Hospital for 20 years. In 1994, she moved to McConnell Air Force Base to lead their family advocacy program. Continuing that work with Total Home Care after leaving the base. Rusty wrapped up her nursing career at Westley Birth Care Center, retiring in 2014. Over the years, Rusty supported countless moms through labor, including friends and the babies of babies she had delivered. She taught Lamaze classes, supported new and experienced families through all the ups and downs of pregnancy, and was a kind and welcoming face to all who entered her care.

In 1980, Rusty began her favorite job in life: being a mother. She delivered Paula in 1980, and Kristin followed in 1982. She adored her girls and was an excellent mom. She volunteered at Emerson Elementary School, led and helped out in their Girl Scout Troops, taught in their CCD classes She is survived by her husband Conrad Colahan-Sederstrom of Wichita; daughters Paula Colahan-Sederstrom of Cleveland, Ohio; Kristin Colahan-Sederstrom of Lawrence; nieces, nephew, cousins, and extended family from Oregon to Texas, New York, and Ireland and France; and a multitude of friends from every corner of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom Colahan and Mabel Colahan; brothers, Raymond Colahan and Eldon Colahan; and sister, MaryAnn Finnesy.

A Funeral Service was held on Thursday, August 28, at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita.

Downing & Lahey East of Wichita was in charge of the funeral arrangements.

A Graveside Service was held on Friday, August 29, at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plainville.

In lieu of flowers, consider giving the gift of time to someone or donating to a local charity that supports those in need.