pMassena: Gretchen L. Topa, 72 of South Main St., passed away on Monday evening, July 25, 2016, at Massena Memorial Hospital. Friends and family may be received on Friday July 29, 2016 from 4:00 pm until the time of service at 5:00 pm at the Phillips Memorial Home in Massena. /ppGretchen was born on April 5, 1944 in Massena, the daughter of Lawrence and Leona (Perry) Ashley. She graduated from Massena Central School and then attended Beauty School following graduation. She worked several years at Dairy Queen in Massena managing the day to day operations. She also spent many years around the area merchandising for many different stores. Gretchen married Frank Topa on June 8, 1966 in Utica, NY. /ppShe enjoyed bird watching and tending to the many bird feeders around her home. Gretchen enjoyed caring for the violets around her house and loved to bake cookies, cakes and donuts for her friends and family. She loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. Every Friday night she enjoyed playing cards with her friends, as well as meeting at McDonalds nightly. /ppGretchen is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Frank; her two sons, Philip and wife Karen Topa of Florida, Toby and wife Patricia Topa of Brasher Falls; four grandchildren, Logan and Tyler Topa, Kayla and Kole Topa; two brothers, Lawrence Ashley of Ohio, and Charles Ashley of Montana, as well as several nieces and nephews. /ppShe was predeceased by seven siblings, Marlene MacCaulay, Janet Peck, Kathleen Rush, Thomas Ashley, Gerald Ashley, William Ashley, and James Ashley; a granddaughter, Leona Topa. /ppMemorial Contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 188 Main St. Massena, NY 13662. Memories and online condolences may be shared with the family to www.phillipsmemorial Arrangements are under the care and direction of Phillips Memorial Home in Massena. /p
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