Anne Doris Toppen

To have known Anne Toppen was to have loved her. A joyful woman with a quick wit, her smile brought warmth to everyone she met. Her kind and loving ways will be fondly remembered and forever missed. A decade of great advancement and struggle, Anne Doris Smith was born on the Smith family farm in Lamont, Michigan along the banks of the Grand River on October 23, 1917. The daughter of Derk Nicholas and Grace (Flickema) Smith, she was the third of eventually seven children raised on their country dairy farm. From an early age Anne learned the value of hard work alongside her brothers, Richard, Chuck and Clarence, and sisters, Grace, Alice and Marie. With the daily schedule of a dairy farm, Annes father had help managing the daily operations of the farm while he made his living as a wallpaper hanger. At the time of Annes birth much was taking place in America and the world around her. Consumer goods were produced more readily with the introduction of the moving assembly line and at the same time, workers united in solidarity for better labor practices. While the U.S. was advancing as a world power, the nation was also heavily engaged in World War I, the war to end all wars. Although her sisters were happy as milkmaids, Anne wasnt too fond of cows or being in the barn for that matter. She spent most of her time helping with the domestic chores and assisted her father wallpapering. When the hardships of the Great Depression created misfortune, Anne and her family found no exception to these troubling times. Her father sadly died when she was 12 which unfortunately left her mother to raise seven children alone during the height of the Depression. It was a trying time for them, especially her mother who found it difficult managing the farm and taking care of the children. Together they persevered to keep their family farm afloat. Her fathers death changed the course of Annes life, and life as she once knew it would never again be the same. Until the age of 14 Anne attended the local schools but soon after completing the 8th grade she was sent to Muskegon to work as a nanny and housekeeper for her mothers relatives, the Boelkins family. For a young girl like Anne, being away from home unable to see her siblings was not easy for her. She recalled how she often looked out the window only to find other girls her age on their way to school and not being able to join them. However, there were advantages of Annes new living arrangements because she loved being so close to the Boelkins grocery store. She enjoyed trying new recipes and having access to a variety of meats and vegetables. Through this time she discovered her love of cooking and continued trying new recipes throughout her life. After several years with the Boelkins family she went on to live with her Uncle Jerry Smith to help take care of his invalid wife. At the age of 18 she began working at the Sealed Power Corporation where her life turned in an exciting new direction. In time she met a handsome co-worker who would one day be her husband. Anne was quite smitten with Don Toppen and the feeling was mutual. After dating for a short time, Don arranged for Anne to begin living with one of his relatives who also just happened to live right next door to him. September 2, 1937 was the beginning of many happy days as husband and wife filled with deep and mutual love. Through the lasting effects of the Depression and multiple wars, Anne and Don shared much throughout their 60 cherished years together. A devoted wife and loving mother, Anne was overjoyed with the birth of their four sons, Robert, Harvey, James and Paul. With her special touch and loving ways, Anne made a wonderful home for her family. Many days during the summer were spent enjoying her flower gardens which she proudly cared for throughout her yard. She also spent countless hours in her kitchen preparing all of her familys favorite dishes. With a husband and four growing sons to feed, her love of cooking was indeed a blessing. Throughout the years Anne also held several jobs outside the home. She worked at Rykes Bakery, Parsons Department Store, and Olaf's Kro Restaurant. She was a well-liked friend and her warm and inviting smile brightened the days of many. Devoted to her faith, Anne was a lifelong member of the Berean Church where she loyally served on various ministries over the years. Together Anne and Don enjoyed treasured times with family which came to include daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Holidays held special memories along with Annes lovingly prepared meals. With their sons grown with families of their own, Anne and Don were able to escape the Michigan winters by enjoying over 35 of their retirement years at their winter mobile home in Clearwater, Florida. Many good friends were made during this time in their lives. In fact, Dons only brother, Charles Chap and his wife, Elsie lived right next door them in Florida. While Don enjoyed shuffleboard and golf, Anne remained at home preparing her delicious lemon meringue pies for their after shuffleboard get-togethers. Known as the pie lady, she was always asked to bring one of her scrumptious pies as no one at the park had been able to duplicate her recipe. Anne as well as her sons and grandchildren greatly missed Don after he passed away in 1997. Although he never had the opportunity to meet his great-grandchildren, Annes family provided her with loving support during the years following his death. She continued to winter in Florida and kept herself active and busy. Last year was the first year Anne did not travel to Florida as she was transitioning to the Christian Care Assisted Living facility in Muskegon. She adjusted well to her new home and greatly enjoyed the company of others there. With her great sense of humor, she was well loved and cared for by all the nurses and caregivers at the facility. At the age of 93, Anne peacefully passed into the loving arms of her heavenly Father on Friday, January 28, 2001 surrounded by her family who loved her dearly. She touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her four sons: Robert C. (Sandy) Toppen of Norton Shores, Harvey R. (Glenna) Toppen of Glastonbury, Connecticut, James (Jacqueline) Toppen of Spring Lake, and Paul D. Toppen of North Muskegon; ten grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Besides her husband, Anne was preceded in death by her brothers: Richard, Chuck, and Clarence Smith; sisters, Grace McNutt, Alice Way and Marie Broad. SERVICE: Monday, January 31, 2011, 11:00 AM at the Berean Church with Rev. Craig Apel and Rev. Dwight Reed officiating. VISITATION: Sunday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, please consider a more lasting remembrance to the "Memorial Fund" of the Berean Church. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or submit a photo of Anne or to sign her online guest book.