Josephina (Josie) Toporoski (Nee Den Ouden)

Josephina (Josie) Toporoski (nee den Ouden)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Josephina (Josie) Toporoski (nee den Ouden) on November 1, 2018 at age 72. She is survived by her sons Gary (Julie Zikman) and Marty (Christina Wilcott) and her grandchildren Jesse, Mazzy, Emerson and Marlo. Josie is predeceased by her parents Fred and Gertruda den Ouden of Alliston, and brother John. Mourning her loss are brother Alphonse (Judy), sisters Nancy Erhart and Trudy (Bob) MacKenzie, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Josie will be remembered as a selfless caregiver. As a mother she volunteered in all her boys’ activities and took on their education and betterment as her primary mission in life. For decades she worked in and out of the school system with students with special needs. Her greatest joys were in teaching others and in sharing her bright spirit with her community.

Grams loved her grandchildren as fiercely as she had her sons and doted on them whenever possible. Special packages in the mail for Emerson and Marlo would always be filed with her trademark happy faces, candy and photo albums. Weekend sleepovers for Jesse and Mazzy featured painting, box forts and outdoor fun no matter the weather.

Her love was felt by all those she cared for, even when she wasn’t with them in person, and her passing has left a hole that won’t easily be filled. The family would like to thank Justin Tunney for his friendship, support and the comfort he always provided to Josie. She will be missed dearly by him and by all who knew her.

Donations

Please consider donating to Kerry’s place autism service in memory of Josie at:

https://www.kerrysplace.org/support-us/in-memory/

.

Offer Condolence for the family of Josephina (Josie) Toporoski (nee den Ouden)