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Note: MONONA-Theresa Charlotte "Shar" Topper, age 84, of Monona, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, at UW Hospital. She was born on Jan. 12, 1934, in San Diego, Calif., the daughter of Dennis and Louise (Pearce) Graham. Theresa became pen pals with Russell Topper during the Korean War. They corresponded for ten months before meeting each other in San Diego on April 24, 1953. He proposed that night at Balboa Park, and they were married six days later. They were married 61 ½ years, and celebrate a love which Shar once described as, “the most romantic love story,” far surpassing Romeo and Juliet. Shar was loving, giving, selfless, and passionate about her children and grandchildren. Shar and Russ had four children, who grew up watching her love people all their lives. She was an amazing example, and passed on her gift of loving others to her children. Shar enjoyed having people in her home, opening it to many friends and family over the years. The people she and Russ took in, sometimes for years, were truly family, nurtured by Shar and Russ’ love and care. Shar’s love for all her babies was unconditional in the purest sense of the word. She was always there for anyone who needed anything no matter what. Their home was always available for a celebration, get together, or just stopping by. Shar’s occupation was in quality assurance, but her true life’s calling was being a Mom to many. She was very creative and artistic, qualities that she passed down to all her children. Shar was a talented quilter and seamstress, hand making all of her grandchildren’s Halloween costumes. She delighted in going to the movies with her grandchildren, and formed very special and unique bonds with each one of them. Shar leaves behind an amazing legacy of love and selflessness and will be greatly missed by all who were blessed enough to have known her. Shar is survived by her children, Russell Dennis Topper, Margo (Mark) Butcher, Mark (Janet) Topper, and Tami (Chris ) Schroeder; grandchildren, Joshua (Shannon) Butcher, Matthew (Lesley) Butcher, Jenifer (Rodney) Bolman, Michael (Katie ) Topper, Sam Topper (Dana Stretchberry), Nick Topper (Leah Schultz), Hope Schroeder, Will Schroeder and Maxwell Schroeder; great-grandchildren, Braeden, Johannah, Rori, Owen, Korbin, Izik, and Kian; brothers, David Graham and Warren (Joan) Graham; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; great-grandchild, Bennet; and brothers and sisters, Larry, Connie, Julie, Faith, Edith and Mary. A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2018. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Fellowship and food to follow. Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association or the UW Children’s Hospital Foster Care Program. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com, and Shar’s family would love to read any remembrances anyone has of her.
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420
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