Bernice L. Topakyan, 93, of Adamstown, Md, died Thursday, October 5, 2006 at College View Nursing Home, Frederick, Md.
Born: On June 24, 1913 at Rock Etam Farm in the Union Hills section of Denville, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Calvin and Jennie Lawrence. Personal: Her husband, Harold Sr., died in 1994. Bernice lived in Adamstown for the past 10 years, moving there from Changewater, NJ. She and her late husband Harold owned and operated Stony Brook Farm in Changewater, retiring in 1978. She also had worked as a bookkeeper for Folding Valentine Card Co. in Boonton, NJ. She graduated from Dover High School and also attended Drake Business School. She loved spending time with her family; was an avid New York Yankee fan, and enjoyed making floral arrangements. Memberships: Bernice was a member of and was very active with the Hackettstown Seventh-Day Adventist Church, where she also served as secretary. She was a member and past secretary of the Kiwanis Club in Washington.
Survivors: She is survived by a daughter, Bernie Topakyan Albright and her husband William K. of Adamstown, Md; two grandchildren, Caroline and Werner McClure; a great-granddaughter, Brittnee; a nephew, Peter Gill of Hackettstown, NJ; a cousin, Dr. Harvey Elder of Florida; and her pastor and dear friend, Ted Modell of Florida. A son, Harold Milton, died in 1986.
Services: Visitation will be Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 p.m. at the church, 927 Route 517, Hackettstown, NJ, with the Rev. Ted Modell and Rev. Alan DeSilva officiating. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery, East Hanover. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Warren Hills/Ford Memorial Home, 234 W. Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882. To send online condolences please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.
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Condolence: Dear Family:
Our sincere sympathy is extended to each of you as you lay to rest your much beloved matriarch. We have only happy memories of Bernice from Hackettstown church.
Sincerely, Peter and Janet Adams
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From: Chuck Pierce
Condolence: Bernie, Your Mom (and Dad) were some of the best friends I ever had. They were wonderful people and I will miss them very much. Their impact on my life and our church was huge. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
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From: Alice, Dale and Nancy
Condolence: We have wonderful memories of Bernice and Harold. They will forever remain in our hearts. Bernice was a true lady. A wonderful example of Christian love and caring. She was definitely a "pioneer" to all who knew and loved her. She will be missed by all. May God give the family peace and comfort in the precious memories of her life. We look forward to that great day when we all shall gather around the "sea of glass" and hug each other again.
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From: Dan & Emma Jane Brownell
Condolence: Dear Bernie & Family,
What wonderful memories we hold of your parents and their dedication and service the Hackettstown Church. All the the stone walls will always be a memorial to them. And those egg deliveries that I used to get at the hospital and all those wonderful banquets and meals shared with your parents. Any your mom was such a good cook. Now we have the blessed hope and my this be a comfort to you and your family.
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