Barbara Frances Topham

Barbara Topham, 100, of Albion, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Kendallville, Indiana. She was born on March 28, 1924, at Waltham General Hospital, in Waltham, Massachusetts, to Francis and Emma (Herbert) Whalen. 

Barbara attended school in Newton, Massachusetts and graduated from Newton High School with a Business Administration Certificate in June of 1942. After high school she was placed with a job at Bancroft Shoe Company in Waltham, Massachusetts working in their payroll department. She also had the opportunity to work at Newton Waltham Bank and Trust Company from 1943 to 1949. 

On August 19, 1946, she married Robert William Topham, of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. Together they had four children: William Charles Topham, Robert Francis Topham, Margaret Mary Topham and John Edward Topham. In March 1951, Barbara and her family moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where they lived for the next 7 years. 

Bob and Barbara moved to Ligonier, Indiana in December of 1957. Barbara tried to be a Hoosier but found it difficult and remained a tried-and-true Bostonian. Barbara was 
involved in many organizations through the years. She was the President of her Sodality, as well as Secretary and Treasurer at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where she 
attended mass services until she turned 85 years old. Barbara loved playing bridge, solitaire, and cribbage. And she was known to change the rules to help her win. 
She was an avid reader, having read 1000 books in a 5-year span. She loved antiques and could be found traveling to shows, even Notre Dame. 

Barbara loved her cards and writing down the memories of people and places she has visited over the years. Barbara loved people; she would share stories with anyone who 
would take the time to listen and was always willing to help anyone in need. Those who knew Barbara loved her and she will be missed by all. 

Barbara is survived by her brother Francis Joseph (Lorraine) Whalen II; children William (Nancy) Topham, of Michigan, Robert (Beverly) Topham, of California, Margaret (Stan) Strater, of Albion, Ind., and John (Terry) Topham, of Indiana; grandchildren Mike (Teresa) Brewster, Chris (Faith) Champion, Erin (Andy) Petricca, Allison (Kyle) Fitzenreiter, Amy (Kevin) O’Brien, Laurie (Steve) Poynter, Amanda (Tim) Camargo, Ethan (Sara) Topham, Tavia Topham, Troy Topham, Stanley (Jess) Strater, Stephanie (Kevin) Clouse; great grandchildren Tymber, Braden, Kennedy (JJ), Riley, Jazmyn, Landyn, Nola, Cora, Liam, Quinn, Elosie, Penelope, Gavin, Owen, Tommy, Tim, Tad, Tori, Shania, Savana, Shayla, Sydnee, Luke (Brittany) Lincoln, and Zoey; great great grandchildren Bennett, Adalie, Huxley, and Beau; as well as many friends she made over the 100 years she lived. 

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert Topham, her sister Margery Sullivan, and brother-in-law James Sullivan.  

Funeral service for Barbara will be at 1:00pm, Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Harper Funeral Homes, Albion Chapel, 771 Trail Ridge Road, Albion, Ind., with visitation from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Pastor Harold Gingerich will officiate. Barbara will be buried at Oak Park Cemetery, Ligonier, Ind., following the funeral service.
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