Farrell Lynne Topping

Topping Farrell, Lynne Lynne Topping Farrell died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on April 17, 2011. She is survived by her loving husband James Francis Farrell; devoted daughters, Erin Honor Jorgensen and Ramona Megan Decristofaro; three granddaughters, Molly Honor, Jaime Lynne and Edea Lynne; her brother, Tony Topping; sister-in-law, Sharon Topping; and nieces, Debbie, Lynne and Holly. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Edea and Malachi Topping and brothers, Jim, John and Malachi Jr. An extremely talented and successful actor and writer, Lynne appeared in many television programs in the 1970's and 1980's, including five years as Chris Brooks on The Young and The Restless. A former Miss Florida, Lynne was propelled to Hollywood after winning the national Irene Ryan Award for acting and signing a contract with Universal Studios. In recent years she has poured her talent and passion into her first creative love: The theatre. She met her husband James in a Florida production of The Taming of The Shrew in 1993 and they have been happily together for over 17 years. She is the author of the play Hot Flashes (which was produced in the 2007 New York International Fringe Festival), Twilight, or Listening to The Whispers (Kleinau Theatre in Southern Illinois), Majoring in Show Business with A Minor in Theatre (published in the Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism), and a recent full length play, Leonard and Virginia. A lifelong spiritual seeker and devoted friend, Lynne is grateful for the outpouring of love from friends across the country. Her dignity and strength will remain an inspiration to all of her friends and family. Always kind, honest and even tempered, Lynne was a positive influence on everyone she knew and worked with - A profound beauty, both inside and out, with an intellect to match - Lynne was a devoted wife, loving mother and valuable companion. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made to the Wisconsin Humane Society. A Memorial Gathering will be held at a later date.