Maureen E. Topping

NISKAYUNA - Maureen Elizabeth Topping, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Albany on August 23, 1938 to the late Kathleen and William Wydrakowski. Maureen was predeceased in 2018 by her husband of 57 years, Russell L. Topping.

She graduated from the Academy of Holy Names, Class of 1956. Maureen received a BS in Nursing from the College of St. Rose in 1960 and an MS in Medical Surgical/Nursing Administration from Russell Sage College in 1985. She began her nursing career at Albany Memorial Hospital as a staff nurse. During the eleven years at memorial, she held positions as Head Nurse and part time evening Supervisor, eventually accepting a position as Medical-Surgical Nursing Instructor at the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She became an Instructor at the Ellis Hospital School of Nursing from 1975 until he retirement in 2006. At EHSON, she taught Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing in the classroom and clinical areas of ICU, Interventional Cardiology and, during summer clinical experiences, Psychiatric Nursing. Maureen served as Senior level course coordinator, Admissions and Evaluations Chairperson and school Catalog co-chairperson.

She was a certified Catechist for many years in the Faith Formation Program at St. Kateri Parish Church enjoying the enthusiasm and joy of the second graders preparing to receive the Holy Eucharist. She was elected to serve on the Saint Rose Alumnae National Board of Directors and participated on the Advisory Board of the Visiting Nurses Association of Schenectady for many years.

She enjoyed music, especially classical piano and Chopin, old movies, Broadway plays, gardening, sewing, baking, decorating almost anything, anywhere, oil painting among other crafts, traveling, reading, Siena basketball with Russ and contemplating finishing her novel. Luncheons with AHN and CSR alum were always a highlight of each month. She loved Martha’s Vineyard vacations where the family gathered for 20 years. She treasured memories of her grandparents, aunts and uncles from Albany, Castleton and Brookview; memories which were dearly kept alive during visits with her cousins. At the center of all enjoyment were her special and talented grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Sheila M. Wagner (Eric) of Glenville, David A. Topping (Claudia Mills Topping) of Ballston Spa, Andrew R. Topping (Michelle Kyzer Topping) of Virginia and six grandsons, Zachary Anderson (Emily) of Rotterdam; Ryan Topping of Albany and Nicholas Topping (Heidi) of Guilderland; Matthew Topping of Virginia; Sean Topping of California, and Alex Topping of Arizona. One great granddaughter Maddison Emery Anderson. She is also survived be her best friend of 74 years, Kathy O’Connor with whom she shared many great adventures and stories with.

The family would also like to thank Carol Renna for her kind and compassionate care.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Maureen’s family on Sunday from 2 to 5 pm at Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave. Colonie. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning at 9:00 am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Rosa Rd. Schenectady. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Schenectady (www.communityhospice.org) or Academy of Holy Names (www.ahns.org). To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.jonesfuneralny.com