Donna D. Topp

Donna was born in Rochester, New York on September 4th, 1938. She was the first child of Fred and Beulah Dantz. She had one beloved sister, Gail Bradley, who passed away in 1991.

She graduated from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio with a BA in Music and Psychology in 1960 and completed her Master’s in Elementary Education from State University of NY at Brockport in 1969.

She met Eugene Topp, the love of her life, at Heidelberg College. They were married in 1959 and just celebrated their 67th anniversary on June 20th. They first settled in Ohio; it was here they welcomed their first two daughters. In 1963, Donna and Gene moved to North Chili, NY for Gene’s teaching job at Gates Chili High School. Here the family grew with the birth of two more daughters.

Donna loved music. She was an accomplished musician playing piano, organ, saxophone and just about any instrument she could get her hands on. Donna created a successful piano studio where she taught, for over 25 years, hundreds of students to play the piano. She also accompanied countless music students in competitions. In addition, she was the organist and choir director at Ogden Presbyterian Church and later the music director at Gates Presbyterian Church. Donna was also a selfless volunteer in schools and church.

Donna and Gene “retired” in 1993 and moved to Ocala, Florida. Here Donna continued to pursue her love of music and performing. She began accompanying the Ocala Civic Chorale and founded and directed the Choraliers in Oak Run. She continued to perform in Ocala and around central Florida both solo and with other musicians.

After they moved to Ocala, Donna and Gene made many great friends and traveled the world. Donna never sat still and was always up for the next adventure. One of her favorites was our bi-annual family reunion in St. Augustine. She was often heard bragging about what a perfect vacation it was.

Grandchildren were the light of her life. She was a very attentive and fun grandmother. Oftentimes her daughters would be stunned at the things the grands could get away with. She would spend hours playing trains, building sandcastles (even in the pouring rain!), playing pretend, reading, cooking, skateboarding, playing disc golf, playing board games, watching them play sports, going to school concerts or other performances -

basically whatever they wanted to do. She had boundless energy and love for them. She made each of her daughters and grandchildren a scrapbook full of photos and memories. These scrapbooks were enhanced by quotes from the diaries that she diligently kept throughout her entire adult life. We all cherish these priceless keepsakes.

Donna was a force of nature. She was so full of life. Sadly, she was diagnosed with dementia about 10 years ago. Over time it silenced her beautiful vivacious soul. As the disease progressed, Donna and Gene moved to Gainesville, Florida to be closer to their “Florida Daughter”, Sandra Topp. Eventually Donna moved into Azalea Trace, a memory care facility where she lived for 7 months before passing away. The family would like to thank the staff of Azalea Trace as well as Community Hospice for their help and support these last months.

Donna is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Eugene Topp, daughters Brenda Topp (Bob Hull), Wendy Albrecht (Scott Albrecht), Dianne Topp (Michael O’Connor), Sandra Topp (Larry Ukeiley), grandkids Ellen Smith (Kristin Evans), Dylan Albrecht, Morrigan Fox (Scarlett Fox), Ruby O’Connor (Andy Neary), Keanan Albrecht, Clancy O’Connor, Joe Ukeiley and one great granddaughter, Linnea Neary, step-grandchildren, step great grandchildren, a niece and a nephew, grand nieces and nephews and many friends made along the way.

In memory of Donna, listen to some good music, drink a beverage, dance, and enjoy your family and friends!

If you would like to make a charitable contribution in honor of Donna, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association.

To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at: www.forestlawnocala.com