Leona Toppal

Leona Beverly Toppal, a beloved member of the Albany community, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, at the age of 96. Born on April 3, 1929, in Albany, NY, Leona lived her entire life in the Albany/Troy area until retirement, when she and her husband Lester relocated to Jacksonville, FL.

Leona was a proud graduate of The Milne School, and followed by her degree in business education from the New York State College for Teachers (now SUNY Albany). Leona enjoyed her career as a bookkeeper for husband Lester's accounting practice in Troy, where her keen eye for detail and dedication made her a respected professional. Beyond her work, Leona had a vibrant spirit that embraced many hobbies and interests. She enjoyed hiking through the scenic trails of the region, cycling along pleasant routes, and participating in Israeli folk dancing and ballroom dancing with great enthusiasm. In the winter, she enjoyed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Her love for games was evident in her avid participation in mahjong and bridge, and she often tested her wits with crossword puzzles and Sudoku.

Leona was a devoted mother to her daughter Susan Strauss (Ed David) and son Guy Strauss (Edith Strauss). She was also a proud grandmother to Javier Strauss and a loving great-grandmother to Guy Francis Strauss and Ariela Strauss. Her kindness, zest for life, and the joy she brought to others will be deeply missed. Everyone always noticed how very cheerful Leona was, smiling and waving to all, with an enthusiasm for sharing in the joys of life.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Toppal and siblings Irving Richter (Betty) and Harriet Koblintz (Abe), and their spouses.

No memorial is planned at this time. For those wishing to make a contribution in Leona's memory, the River Garden Hebrew Home in Jacksonville, Florida, where she spent her final years, is her chosen organization.