Adeline Topel

Adeline M. Topel, 84, of Great Falls, died on Saturday, March 2, 2013 of complications from melanoma at Peace Hospice.Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Adeline was born December 3, 1928 in Black Eagle, MT to John Al & Clara (Larson) Sieben. She attended local schools, graduating from GFHS in 1946. She married Henry Topel on January 8, 1949 at Blessed Sacrament Church and they had 6 children. While her family was growing up, she was active in the Catholic schools, PTA & Scouts. An accomplished musician, music was an integral part of her life. She played the piano from an early age. In high school she had the lead in several productions both musical and dramatic. As an adult she was the organist at St. Ann's Cathedral for 17 years and later she was staff organist for Croxford & Sons Mortuary for approximately 20 years. She played the organ for many weddings, funerals and special events and also donated her time and talents at local nursing homes. In addition to music she was an excellent cook and a talented seamstress designing and creating some beautiful clothing and quilts. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, classic movies and westerns. Truly a member of the greatest generation she looked at life with a sense of duty and honor.Never was that more evident than when her daughter Diane was severely injured in an auto accident.She became her primary caregiver for the next 40 years in addition to being a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who took pride in maintaining a beautiful home for her family. Survivors include daughters Ellen (Gene) Stumpf of Redmond, WA, Diane Topel of Great Falls, and Patty Topel of Sedona, AZ; sons Richard (Deena) Topel of Billings and Thomas (Pam) Topel of Big Lake, MN; a brother Ken (Linda) Sieben of Missoula; four grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Adeline was preceded in death by her parents; husband Henry T. Topel; son Stephen H. Topel; grandson Justin R. Topel; and a half brother Joseph (Ozzie) Simac.Memorials are suggested to the Great Falls Rescue Mission, 326 2nd Ave S, Great Falls, MT59405