ANNE MARIE TOPORNICKI

(August 1, 1926 - August 29, 2025) At age 99, Anne died peacefully in hospital, with her children by her side. Born in Timmins, Ontario, the second daughter (predeceased by Marie) of Paul and Pearl Rysak, Anne lived a magnificently rich life and remained a country girl at heart. Her lifetime commitment to fitness began during the long cold winters of Northern Ontario when she had to cross-country ski to high school every day. She shared joyful memories with her late husband, Eddie, and their six children at Beaver Valley Ski Club, and later in life, in Islamorada. Florida. They were charter members of the ski club, and Anne was the first social director organizing potluck dinners, ski events, toboggan races and dances. She enjoyed jitterbug dancing, swimming, walking, and of course, skiing, which no doubt contributed to her living into her 100th year. In 1956, on February 4th, Anne, Eddie and Josephine (Ed's mother) founded Topper Linen Supply in the basement of their small home on Fern Avenue in Toronto. Late at night after their three daughters had gone to bed, they would bundle orders for delivery the next day. With Anne's financial prowess, the business grew to become the largest family-owned linen and uniform supply company in Ontario. Anne was also a devout Catholic and respected member of several Catholic community organizations. She helped found the Catholic Women's League at St. Gregory's Church and was a founding member of St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church. As President of the Parent Council at Michael Power High School, she put her organizational skills to good use. With her deep Ukrainian roots, she, along with Eddie, was a major supporter of many different Ukrainian organizations in Toronto. With the help of many, Eddie and Anne founded St. Volodymyr Institute at the University of Toronto, a residence and cultural centre primarily for students of Ukrainian Canadian background. An avid reader who belonged to several book clubs over many years, she was greatly saddened when her macular degeneration reached a point where she could no longer participate in the clubs or read the newspaper. She pushed her children to read as much as possible, and to stay away from TV - "the idiot box." She taught her children to ski, believing that winter was to be enjoyed as much as summer. Dressed in warm clothes with Nivea plastered on cheeks, the children were always protected. Whether it was cold or warm weather, outdoor activities were encouraged. We will never forget her big laugh and will cherish forever the memory of her warm, welcoming nature. Always smiling, having fun, and enjoying her life to the fullest, Anne made everyone feel welcome. Her parents encouraged her to develop friendships with peers from all backgrounds. Following in their footsteps, she did the same with her own children. She focused on kindness and honestly beyond the Ukrainian community. She would say, "Good people come from everywhere." Anne was the beating heart of her family. She cried often, but not because she was sad. She delighted in having visitors, loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed dearly by her children, Taryl Kerr (Brian), Trudy Parker (late Terry), Terry Carson (David), Tim Topornicki (Shelley), Tamara Topornicki-Holdip (Jeffrey) and Tom Topornicki. Anne was proud Baba to 12 grandchildren: Eric, Kevin, Paula (deceased), Tawny (deceased), Tristin, Tyler, Annie, Christie, Jackie, Patrick, Taylor and Jameson. She will also be remembered with love by her 17 great-grandchildren: Conner, Oliver, Ashley, Alice, Telfer, Tenley, Kinsley, Grace, Michael, Christopher, Rowan, Gabriel, Holly, Ben, Vivienne, Charlie, and Hazel. Her memory is our keepsake and will be in our hearts always. A private funeral was held on September 4, 2025. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Islington Golf Club, 45 Riverbank Drive, Etobicoke, from 2 - 4 p.m. Online condolences at newediukfuneralhome.com.