“Fiercely independent, compassionate, nurturing, intellectually curious, feisty, gracious, fun-loving and devoted friend” are some of the terms used to describe Nora Pinkston who passed away on Tuesday, April 9th from breast cancer.  Maria Nicanora Riesco Malpartida was born in Jauja, Peru to Eulogio Riesco and Maria Malpartida Riesco . She spent her childhood in La Oroya before moving to Lima at age nine to complete her primary and secondary school education. Nora came to the United States in 1949 to study at Albion College in Michigan, where she obtained her B.A. in English and a Master’s degree in Spanish literature, became a citizen, and met Donald Earl Pinkston, who became her loving husband. After raising her three children to school age, she began her teaching of high school Spanish at Shawnee Mission East during the decades of the 70s, 80s, and 90s where she also chaired the foreign language department.  Many people today owe their exposure to and mastery of Spanish to Sra. Pinkston. She kept busy after retirement, volunteering as a translator for the Shawnee Mission School district and working as a volunteer at Shawnee Mission Hospital. She enjoyed the many activities at Tallgrass Creek Senior Living Community, leading dance classes, playing bridge, being an active member of the welcoming committee and cherishing the friendships that she formed. 

          Nora was a dedicated daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend.   She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Don, and her siblings, Luis Emilio and Laura Riesco.  She leaves to cherish her memory:  her children, Laura Koenigs (Ken), Don Pinkston, Jr. (Barbara) and Diana Pinkston-Stewart (Bill Stewart); her grandchildren Tom Koenigs (Erica White), Erik Pinkston (Ai Takami), Maria Koenigs, Emily Pinkston, Jenny Corley (Austin) and Halina Pinkston; great-grandchild, Seth Koenigs, and numerous friends. Although she may be physically absent, Nora’s spirit will continue to shine through the memories she created and the lives she touched.

          Everyone who knew and loved Nora is invited to celebrate her life in a way that feels right to them.  Suggestions would be to take a walk in nature and be in awe of the beauty around you, watch a movie with a good friend and follow with an animated discussion, read a great book, play a lively game of cards with friends, and share a meal and laughter with those you love. Afterwards, tip a glass and be thankful that you knew her.

Nora’s family is extremely grateful for the incredible care provided to Nora by all of the staff at Tallgrass Creek Assisted Living, Ascend Hospice and the KU Cancer Center – especially Dr. Gregory Crane. To honor her memory, the family suggests donations to support the Cancer Center at The University of Kansas Health System. Donations can be made payable to The University of Kansas Health System and mailed to Fund Development, 11300 Corporate Avenue, Mailstop 9241, Lenexa, KS 66219-1374 or by visiting Donate to The University of Kansas Health System