Obituary of Emily A. Topka

Emily A. Topka, 88, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2017 at Glendale Nursing Home. Born in Schenectady, she was the daughter of the late Steve and Catherine Stepnowski, and the last surviving member of the family’s seven children. Emily graduated from Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady and worked as a phone operator following graduation. She married her beloved husband William F. Topka on July 4, 1948 at St. Mary’s Church in Schenectady. Following her marriage Emily became a homemaker to raise her family. Emily enjoyed music,and polka dancing with her husband which included public performances. She was one of the first women to serve in a fire-fighting capacity in the Glenville Hill Fire Dept., and a member of the GHFD Women’s Auxiliary. Emily and her husband were longtime communicants of St. Joseph’s Church in Scotia, and later the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Glenville. Emily was predeceased by her beloved husband William on March 3, 2016. Survivors include her children, David A. Topka of Mountain View, CA, Kenneth P. (Nancy Swenson) Topka of Cameron Park, CA, Terry M. Topka of Glenville, Linda T. (late Joseph) Caughman of New Stanton, PA; her grandchildren, Tanya and Shelby Topka, Justen Caughman, Tony (Penny) Patterson, Michelle Patterson, Rebekah Swenson; and her great grandchildren, Krystle, Megan, Justen. Several nieces and nephews survive. Relatives and friends may call on the family Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 6 - 8 PM at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, February 3, 2017 at 9 AM at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Rd. Glenville with Rev. Jerome Gingras officiating. Interment will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to honor Emily in a special way to Alzheimer's Association, Pine West Plaza, Building 4, Suite 405 Washington Ave. Ext. Albany NY 12205.