Hazel G. Toplon

"Hazel (Terry) Garnetta Toplon, 95, passed away on June 9, 2017 at Keystone Commons in Ludlow, where she had resided since March of 2011. Hazel was born in Greenville, South Carolina, the daughter of the late James Claude and Mona May Norman. She left Greenville following her marriage in 1945 to David Toplon, and during David's military career, they traveled and lived in many places in both the United States and Europe. Following David's retirement in 1969 from the USAF, where he was stationed at the time at Westover Air Force Base, they decided to settle in South Hadley, having developed a fondness for New England. It was there that they built their first permanent home on Wildwood Lane in South Hadley, and where they lived until David's death in 2008 and Hazel's move to assisted living in 2011. Hazel was a kind, gentle, funny woman who could always make the best of any situation. She loved her family, nature, and all creatures. She made friends wherever she went, because she sincerely cared about others and truly listened. You couldn't find a more generous person. Hazel was predeceased by her parents, her two brothers and two sisters, and her husband David. She leaves her children, Brenda Wyszynski and her husband Donald of Granby, her sons David K. Toplon, also of Granby and his partner Lisanne Chapdelaine, and James E. Toplon and his wife Ellen of Nashville, TN. She also leaves her grandchildren, Amy Arlabosse, David E. Toplon and Joseph B. Toplon and her great-grandchildren Chloe and Claire Arlabosse. In addition, she leaves many nieces and nephews, who despite their geographical distance, she held close to her heart. A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 10 A.M. at the Veteran's Cemetery, 1390 Main Street in Agawam, MA. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA 01105. "