Marge became my first official boss in 1975 when I graduated from college and became her secretary at NYH-Cornell Medical Center.

We developed a great bond during those 8 years and I learned a great deal from her.  Our bond was such that she attended my wedding in Puerto Rico and after speaking so much over the phone and visiting her during my trips to  NY she told me "you don't have to call me Dr, Topkins anymore, you can call me Marge".

 She was a very loving person.

Great memories!  

May she rest in peace!

I met Marjorie in November 2001 when my husband and I went to Vietnam to adopt our daughter Luna. We quickly bonded with Michaele and Bob and were delighted that our children, who were both at the same orphanage,  were born within days of each other and shared a special bond. Marjorie was with Bob and Michaele for the trip to adopt Ari. We were constantly astounded by her energy and enthusiasm at the age of 76, and most of all her profound love for Ari. She was spectacular as a grandmother. Later on, I learned about Marjorie in a professional context and was not surprised to find out she was also a stellar anesthesiologist and medical pioneer.  She obviously leaves an enormous void in her family. I hope these memories of her offer some comfort during this time.

Dr. Marjorie Topkins finished her anesthesiology residency the year I was born (1954). Subsequently, she became the backbone and matriarch of the anesthesiology department for well over 40 years. Together with Dr. Joseph Artusio and Dr. Alan Van Poznak, this mighty trio forged one of the most prestigious anesthesiology programs in the country.   She was celebrated among the foremost women in medicine at the New York Hospital and Cornell Medical College in the 2nd half of the twentieth century.   Marge was a dedicated mentor to me and sparked my interest in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology.  She was extraordinarily dedicated to caring for infants and children undergoing open heart surgery and cherished her singular role at a time when few other anesthesiologists could provide masterful anesthetic management in this stressful realm. She truly was a leader and pioneer, and I was very fortunate indeed to learn the ins and outs of complex congenital heart intraoperative care from her.   After a while, given her perfectionist nature and all-abiding concern for children, she was willing to share the pediatric hearts with me which was a great honor and privilege.    
     Marge presided over the critical operations of the entire anesthesiology department ensuring the stocking and maintenance of equipment and with Solomonic wisdom, scheduling the daily assignments of a rather heterogeneous group of attending anesthesiologists.  Given the leadership demands that she assumed, it is incredible that Marge also worked, without fail,  every single day in the operating room.   She will never be forgotten by anyone who was lucky enough to have worked with or trained under her loving and zealously devoted guidance.

On Saturday, June 21, my mother, Marjorie Topkins Goodman, passed away. She was 99 years old and had lived a very full life. Although at her tallest she was only 5' 1" tall she had the presence of someone much bigger. She was quick witted, sometimes sharp with it. An accomplished physician and professor, she loved her work. She loved her family and we loved her. You will be missed.

To MM,  Love DAG

Aug. 18, 2023  Dinner Party with Department old timers at Evergreen Cafe .
Dr. Topkins still remembered all the funniest and interesting stories of the surgeons and anesthesiologists at NYH-CMC.

Dec. 2, 2023 at 75th Anniversary of Department of Anesthesiology, WCMC

Dr. Marjorie Topkins passed away at the age of 99. Because life starts with conception, 10 months before birth, Dr. Topkins actually reached the age of 100 — the perfect score for everything. 

Though we are deeply saddened by her passing, we should celebrate her 100 years of accomplishments. Dr. Topkins was the best daughter, wife, and mother. She was the best cardiac anesthesiologist. She always took the best care of her patients with great compassion. She was also the best teacher to all the doctors and nurses who trained under her in the Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center. Indeed, Dr. Topkins was one of the three giant pioneers in our Department of Anesthesiology. 

I was fortunate to have her as a mentor for 52 years. She taught me not only how to be a great anesthesiologist but also how to be a better person. Dr. Topkins was extraordinarily generous and compassionate. She was the vice chair and in charge of assigning cases for all attendings. She assigned herself all the free service cases from Greek Shipowner Onassis Special Program for congenital heart surgery and gave the private cases to other attendings. She showed us that compassion is more important than money. 

Dr. Topkins also had an excellent memory. She always told us all the funniest and most interesting stories about the surgeons and anesthesiologists. She still remembered me and my wife, Peggy, when we visited her in the last week of her life. 

Dr. Topkins will be forever remembered by her family, friends and all the anesthesiologists she trained. We miss her kind smiles so much.  

Our most sincere condolences to her family.

Fun-Sun Frank Yao

Condolences to friends and family. 

It is with great respect and admiration that we remember my mother-in-law Dr. Marjorie Topkins, who passed away on June 21st at the remarkable age of ninety-nine.

Dr. Topkins was a trailblazer in her field, breaking through barriers at Cornell University to become one of the nation's leading cardiac anesthesiologists. Her career was distinguished by her dedication to patient care, her endearing spirit, and her commitment to education. At New York Hospital, the city's premier teaching hospital, she not only cared for high-profile patients but also mentored numerous medical students and residents, shaping the next generation of medical professionals.

She completed her medical degree at the University of Vermont, and her outstanding contributions to medicine and education earned her many prestigious awards from both Cornell and UVM. 

Her influence and legacy were celebrated most recently during the 75th anniversary of the New York Hospital anesthesia department, where a crowd of her former students gathered to express their gratitude and admiration.

A testament to her resilience and determination is the rejection letter she received when applying to Colgate University, which read, "Men need only apply." Thankfully, her talents and determination earned her acceptance at Cornell, where she would go on to achieve great success.

Dr. Topkins's life was a beacon of perseverance, excellence, and trailblazing achievement. She will be forever remembered for her groundbreaking contributions and the inspiring example she set for all.

She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

OBITUARY

Marjorie Topkins

August 19, 1925 – June 21, 2025

Riverside Memorial Chapel

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