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ALICE ROBERTA TOPPING
Date of Passing: Mar 02, 2014
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
ALICE ROBERTA TOPPING (née MCCARTNEY) Roberta slipped away quietly in her sleep in the early hours of Sunday, March 2, 2014 She is survived by her loving husband Richard, his daughters Caitlin Kowall (Aaron) and Aidan Topping, grandchildren Matthew and Bronwyn Kowall, sister Ola Czeranko (Tony) and innumerable nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as Tart the Kerry Blue Terrier. Roberta spent her childhood and school years in Langruth, MB where her parents farmed. She decided after high school to attend Teacher College, and there she found her calling. She taught briefly in Flin Flon, Sanford , and Dryden ON before going to Seven Oaks School Division in Winnipeg, where she taught for the rest of her career. She taught in all three levels - elementary, junior, and senior high - and finished her successful career as Vice-Principal of Garden City Collegiate. Besides being a consummate teacher, she was very active in the Manitoba Teachers Society, serving in many positions, including President of SOTA. It was through MTS that she met and fell for Richard. It is believed that a foot rub was the magic that brought them together. Roberta and Richard shared the love of travel, adventure, and dogs. They bought a house so they could have dogs. They travelled many places together, including Britain, Ireland, Iceland, France, Germany, Switzerland, and all over Canada, including an eco-cruise on a schooner off Vancouver Island. They also wintered twice in Alabama, and took several trips to various US cities. Roberta spent a valiant nine years battling ovarian cancer, which is apparently a record of sorts, and is statement to her fortitude and positive outlook on life. As per her wishes there will be no funeral, but at a later date - likely in May - there will be a memorial gathering of friends and family at her home: a kind of after-the-fact wake with drinks and food and lots of stories. An announcement will be made so no one is left out. For those who wish, a donation can be made to the Palliative Care Fund at Gimli Health Centre, CancerCare MB, the Gimli Humane Society, or a charity of one's choice. GODA NOTT ELSKAN MIN NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 15, 2014
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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I am so sad to hear of Mrs. Topping's passing. She was one of my favorite teachers. I enjoyed getting to know her a bit this last year through Facebook. My condolences to her family. - Posted by: Leanne Wicks (student) on: Apr 25, 2014
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I graduated from Garden City Collegiate in 2000. Out of everyone there, Mrs. Topping (as I knew her) had the strongest impression on me. She was kind, understanding and believed in me more than I believed in myself. Rest in peace, Mrs. Topping, and thank you for being who you were. - Posted by: Sam Love (former student) on: Apr 25, 2014
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Dear Dick, I was saddened to learn of Roberta's passing, much too soon. It was a privilege meeting her and having you both stay with us in Victoria, now many years ago. My kids will always remember it! I'm sending a big hug and prayer your way, and a wish that your memories and love of Roberta will guide you through this time of deep loss. - Posted by: Pauline James and Family (former student of Dick and friend to both) on: Apr 13, 2014
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I am so very sorry to learn that Roberta's brave struggle with cancer has come to an end. I will always remember her beautiful smile and upbeat attitude... no matter the situation! - Posted by: Arlene Baillie (..an acquaintance through friends) on: Apr 03, 2014
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So very sorry to hear of your loss Dick. Rob was a wonderful person and will will treasure those times together ... especially at St. Laurent. - Posted by: David & Jo-Anne Mutimer (Friends) on: Mar 31, 2014
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I will miss the friendship we had Roberta - it might have been short but you were such a special person to have known - Posted by: Donna Dahlen (Friend) on: Mar 20, 2014
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What a brave and strong woman she was! And full of fun and energy. Her smiling face and full throated laughter made every place we shared a better place to be. - Posted by: Rick Wilcosh and Nancy Wilson (Friends) on: Mar 18, 2014
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You were my friend and confident, the times we had together will forever be in my memory. - Posted by: Margaret Drawson (Friend) on: Mar 17, 2014
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Roberta truly was a very special person to all who were fortunate to have known her. As cousins we shared many fun times at Westbourne & on the farm at Langruth. Roberta was so much fun with her giggles & sunny personality. She contributed so much joy to life & we as cousins were blessed she was part of our family. Love, Judy - Posted by: Roberta Topping (1st cousin) on: Mar 17, 2014
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Roberta was so very special to so many of us. Her intelligence, warmth, caring and great sense of humour are just a few of her amazing attributes. I will treasure you in my heart forever, Roberta. - Posted by: Joy Sigurdson (cousin) on: Mar 17, 2014
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We were so sorry to read about your loss, Dick. The many happy memories that you have will help in the difficult times ahead. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Susan and Lorne - Posted by: Lorne Lisik (Friend) on: Mar 17, 2014
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Roberta was a gift to the world. She had a strong social conscience and I never heard a hate filled comment towards another person; only disgust sometimes towards unjust political parties and politicians. She was truly a wonderful person and I am so grateful to have known her, loved her and been related to her. - Posted by: Bud Sigurdson (1st Cousin) on: Mar 17, 2014
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Goodbye Roberta. Your strength and kindness will always color my memories of you. - Posted by: jim mcconnell (friend) on: Mar 15, 2014
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We were very sorry to hear of Roberta's passing. She was a memorable character. The reference to the 'foot rub' gave us a real chuckle. - Posted by: Anne and Rudy Peters (Friends) on: Mar 15, 2014
