Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Toper, 89, formerly of Schley Drive, passed away February 9, 2017, at the Samaritan Summit Village.
Ellie was born April 12, 1927, in Watertown, a daughter of Perley and Ruby Runions Bigness. In 1945 she graduated from Alexandria Bay High School. She married John Toper on September 10, 1949 at Asbury United Methodist Church, with the Reverend McClung officiating. Ellie was an operator for the NY Telephone Company in Watertown and also lived for a number of years in Malone, before returning to Watertown.
Ellie enjoyed ceramics, flower gardening, golf, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a former member of the Watertown Golf Club and the Malone Golf Club for many years.
Surviving besides her husband John are a son Jon A. (Cathy) Toper, Amsterdam, NY two daughters, Jill E. (Timothy) Cook, Webster, NY, Beth E. (William) Maguire, Adams Center, NY, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. A brother Darwin Bigness and a sister, June Wiswell died before her.
Calling hours will be held from 2 to 5 pm on Tuesday February 14, 2017 at D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A memorial service will be held immediately following the calling hours and a private memorial service and burial at the convenience of the family.
The family requests that contributions be made to Asbury United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com.