Lillian "Libby" (Friedman) Topol

Lillian "Libby" (Friedman) Topol, age 96, passed away peacefully at her home in the Back Bay on April 3rd, 2026. A woman of extraordinary wisdom and quiet strength, Libby was a steady anchor for all who knew her.

Born in Roxbury, Massachusetts to Joseph & Mollie Friedman, Libby was raised in Boston’s historic West End. She earned her degree in Library Science from Simmons College, where her commitment to education led her to later establish a scholarship fund to support future generations.

For 71 years, she was the beloved partner and major force behind her husband, Sidney Topol, who predeceased her in 2022. Together, they shared a life of adventure, notably moving their three young daughters to Rome, Italy, in 1960. It was there that Libby’s lifelong passion for the opera flourished a love matched only by her talent as a gifted sculptor.

In 1970, the family moved to Atlanta where Libby turned her deeply loving and accepting nature toward social justice. She became a dedicated mentor to children affected by the foster care system, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touched through her advocacy.

Whether cultivating her talent as a sculptor, immersing herself in the world of opera in Rome, or mentoring children in Atlanta, she lived with purpose and a generous spirit. She was the matriarch and primary strength of her family.

Above all else, Libby was the best mother imaginable. She is survived by her daughters and their spouses: Deborah Topol & Edward Shein, Joanne Topol & Michael Ostroff, Martha Stolzer & Bradley Stolzer; her grandchildren and their spouses: Jacqueline Stolzer & Douglas Vicenzi, Mollie Stolzer & Jane Paar, Alex Ostroff & Kyra Bloom and Sarah Ostroff; and her great-grandchildren, Julius and Felix Vicenzi and Elliot Stolzer-Paar. She was the dear sister of the late Anne, Arnold and Tobias Friedman. She also leaves behind a team of devoted caregivers who became like family in her final years - including Verona Whitaker, Helen Bihon, Aldene Swaby, Marie Pierre and Geraldine Carty.

A graveside service will be held on Friday April 10th under the direction of Rabbi Michael Luckens.

For those who desire, gifts in Libby’s memory may be donated to the Libby Friedman Topol Scholarship Fund at Simmons University. Friends and family wishing to make a donation may either send checks to the Advancement Office, Simmons University at 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115 or donate online at http://simmons.edu/giving. In both cases, donations should be accompanied by a note directing funds to the Libby Friedman Topol Scholarship Fund.