Mary Strong Topel, age 92, long time resident of Riverside and Corona passed away on October 29, 2009. Mary was born on June 22, 1917 in Sylvania, Ohio.

She married Adam Topel on December 12, 1941. In 1954 they moved with their two daughters, Sue and Diane to Corona, CA. Mary was employed by the Corona/Norco School District for over 26 years as their Head Printer. Mary was happiest when she was covered with printer’s ink and immersed in a large printing project that simply had to be done yesterday.

Mary was also a born saleperson. She sold “Real Silk” door to door, as well as Tupperware, Home Toy Parties and her beloved Avon which she actively sold until recently. Mary lived for 12 years at Plymouth Towers in Riverside and was lovingly known as “The Avon Lady”. Mary was a strong, Christian woman who raised her family with a lot of love and self reliance. Mary’s motto was “Can’t never did nothing” and she lived her life with that drive.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Estella Strong; her brother Lyman Strong; husband, Adam Topel; great granddaughter, Alexandria; granddaughter, Terry Moen and daughter, Sue Bruccheri.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Diane de Bourguignon of Rialto; her brothers Fred Strong of Laguna Woods and Ed Strong of Michigan; grandchildren, Deborah Martinez of Rialto, Scott de Bourguignon of Riverside, Cari Echols of Oak Hills and Deidre Gfellar of Marietta, GA; 20 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren as well as 9 nieces and nephews.

Visiation will take place on Wednesday, November 4th 4-7pm at Green Acres Mortuary, 11715 Cedar Ave., Bloomington, CA. Service will be Thursday November 5th at 11:00am at Rialto United Methodist Church, 1230 N. Riverside Ave, Rialto followed by burial at Olivewood Cemetery in Riverside. Arrangements Entrusted To Green Acres Mortuary 11715 Cedar Ave.Bloomington, CA 92316 (909) 877-2311

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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

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