Harriet Topi

Harriet E. “Betty” Topi, 83, of Sugar Creek, MO passed away Friday, September 7, 2007 at her home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, September 10, 2007 at Carson-Speaks Chapel. The rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Burial in Woodlawn-St. Mary’s Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Catholic Charities Community Hospice, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, KS 66102. Betty was born September 3, 1924 in Independence, MO to Stephen Elwood and Jesse (Waters) Frey. She was a life-long resident, residing for 16 years with her parents in Independence and 63 years at her home in Sugar Creek. She attended North Rock Creek Elementary School and William Chrisman High School. Mrs. Topi married Joe E. Topi from Sugar Creek, MO on May 31, 1941 at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church. She followed him on Army maneuvers across the country from mid-1941 through early 1944, when they moved to Sugar Creek. Mrs. Topi focused on her family, church and community throughout her life. Betty was a member of St. Cyril’s Catholic Church & Altar and Rosary Society from 1944 through 2007, serving in several leadership roles, including president, and always actively supporting the annual chili suppers and other fund raisers, as well as providing many dishes for funeral masses for parishioners. She also was a long-time member of Sugar Creek Elementary School PTA, serving in leadership roles including president, room-mother, and frequently sewing clothes for the annual charity clothing drive. She was active as Den Mother in Cub Scout Pack 268 and supported Boy Scout Troop 268 in many fund-raisers. Betty was a Girl Scout Leader for Troop 417 for many years, and in that capacity organized and managed Girl Scout Day Camps for Eastern Jackson County in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Mrs. Topi also served for many years as secretary on the Independence Regional Hospital Auxiliary. She worked for several years at Sugar Creek Elementary School in the cafeteria, assisting students and keeping order during lunchtime. Betty also worked for the Sugar Creek City swimming pool for several summers, in the concession stand and also as manager. Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, quilt-making, making lap quilts for the IRHC Auxiliary, ceramics and especially oak-slat basket making with her friends Carl, Dorothy and daughter-in-law Kathy. They shared many happy hours of basket making during her retirement. She also loved her flower gardens and seasonal flowers. Most of all, Betty was focused on her husband and family. She supported Joe throughout their 57 years of marriage, and his work at the Standard Oil/Amoco Refinery in Sugar Creek. Joe preceded her in death in 1998. Together, Betty and Joe are blessed with eight children; Steve (Jo) Topi; Mike (Kathy) Topi; Elizabeth (Joe) Pugh; Joe (Mary) Topi; Linda (Chris) Heman; John “Tom” (Debbie) Topi; Mary Ann (Art) Wegener; Martin (Regina) Topi. She was also blessed with 24 grandchildren; Susan Spaw, Lisa Parker, Joseph “Danny” Pugh, Lori Smith; Jared Pugh; Aimee Stewart; Steve Topi; Ted Topi; Angela Topi; Julia Shayto; Thomas Topi; Andrew Topi; Michael Wegener; John Topi; Matthew Topi, Jessica Wegener; Cynthia Topi, Lauren Heman; Kaitlyn Heman; Liza Topi; Maria Topi; Hailey Heman; Sophia Topi and Mary Alice Topi. Betty also had 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Mrs. Topi was preceded in death by her half-sisters Edna Waltz, Vivian Durbin, Ruth Anderson; her half-brother Raymond Durbin and brother Arthur Frey. The family would like to thank Rachel, Barb and Brother Daryl of Catholic Charities Community Hospice for their compassionate care.