Lillian E. Tope

Lillian E. Tope, 81, of New Philadelphia, died Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at her home after a brief illness. Born April 22, 1924 on the family farm in Strasburg, she was the daughter of the late Delbert E. and Mary J. Mohardt VanFossen.Her faith and love for the Lord transcended to her family, friends, caregivers and strangers, always being more concerned for others than herself. She had a special appreciation and talent for music, the piano, and an exceptional love for children.As a junior in high school, Lillian won first place for her vocal talents from the Ohio Music Association and an invitation to compete in national competition in Chicago, Illinois. Lillian graduated from Strasburg High School in 1942, and began working at Akron Aircraft which manufactured small dirrigibles for World War II. She married Lyle A. Tope on April 26, 1943 and in 1945 the couple moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico for health reasons, returning to New Philadelphia in 1948. She then founded Tope Day Care Center on a small farm just outside New Philadelphia and began a career in child care that spanned twenty eight years, eventually becoming the first state licensed day care center in the area. Lillian was active for many years with the choir of Sacred Heart Parish in New Philadelphia of which she was a member. She was involved in many other activities within the community including president of the Parent Teachers Association, Girl Scouts of America, Union Hospital Auxiliary and many activities which her children were involved.Lillian and her husband, moved to Cape Coral, FL in 1977. They joined St. Andrews Catholic Church where many special friendships and fond memories were established, especially within the choir. They relished the opportunity to entertain out-of-state family members, friends and anyone who came to Florida for a visit. Their home was always open to everyone. Lillian could have chosen retirement, but began yet another career in fashion design and clothing which continued until they moved back to the area in 1996.Lillian was currently a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.She is survived by her husband, Lyle A. Tope, with whom she celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary; her son, Lyle A. (Michelle) Tope II of New Philadelphia; a son-in-law, James E. VonAllmen of Akron; grandchildren, Tara M. (Todd) Scott of Strasburg, Amber M. (Eric) Garner of North Canton, Abbey L. Tope of Dublin, Kristen M. Schreiner of Dayton and Nicholas P. Schreiner of Falls Church, Virginia; one brother, Warren (Mary Lou) Van Fossen of Strasburg; and a sister, Vivian Kurtzman of Wilmot.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Elaine A. VonAllmen, sisters, Kathryn E. Kaderly and Carol L. VanFossen and brothers, Eugene, Willis, Delbert and Robert VanFossen.A funeral mass will be held in St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, May 28 at 10:00 A.M. with Fr. William L. Arnold officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia followed by a luncheon at the Geib Funeral Center in Dover. Visitation will be Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Geib Funeral Center, 5600 North Wooster Ave., Dover, where a Christian wake will be held at 7:45 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, or to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. 3rd St., Dover, 44622.