Leona Toppel

In the early hours of August 10, 2018, Leona Weiss Toppel, 89, of Naperville drew her last breath surrounded by the people who loved her and who she loved. Beloved wife of 68 years to devoted husband, Bert; loving mother of the late Alison Beth Toppel, Leslie Abrahamson (David), Debra Toppel (Todd Hansen) and proud grandmother to Sam Abrahamson. Leona was born in Chicago to a father who immigrated from Ukraine at age 17. Bert and Leona married in 1950 and after a few years, they settled in Naperville at a time when the downtown was just a few shops and the city was surrounded by cornfields. They created a loving home for their children where Bert was able to care for her until the end of life with the help of kind caregivers. Leona led a remarkable life in an age when most women were expected to be wives, homemakers and mothers. Leona was wonderful at all of those things, but she also had a vivacious personality and a keen sense of humor that she turned into a career. After sending a joke to comedienne Phyllis Diller, Leona became a comedy writer for Diller as well as Bob Hope, Joan Rivers, Rich Little, Kay Ballard and many others. She also wrote newspaper columns that got her backstage access to places like Bozo's Circus and Lincoln Park Zoo – to the delight of her daughters. Later in life, in addition to public speaking, Leona's lifelong love of movies motivated her to become an extra in the films and television shows shot in Chicago. It was hard work for not a lot of money, but Leona loved being part of the process, meeting major stars and sharing the enjoyment of family and friends seeing her in the background of scenes. Everyone who knew Leona loved her for her humor, kindness, generosity and encouraging support of the people she cared about. Her passions in life included travel – especially to Europe and on cruises, going to plays and movies, dining at local restaurants, milkshakes – very light on the chocolate and a good coconut cream pie. Please visit https://www.cremation-society.com/obituary and sign the guest book.