Shirley (Smith) Toepel, 89

Shirley (Smith) Toepel, 89, wife of Richard Happ Toepel, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Keystone Villa.

Born in Pottstown, PA, she was the daughter of the late William and Kathryn (Hoban) Smith.

Shirley worked many years as Secretary for St Peter's Lutheran Church and then for New Hanover Elementary School. She was happiest when spending time with her family, traveling, or lounging in the sun at her "happy place" in Wildwood Crest. Shirley enjoyed life to the fullest with her forever sweetheart, Richard. They would have celebrated 70 years of marriage in September.

Surviving in addition to her husband Richard, is her son, Mark Toepel, husband of Marcy; grandchildren Josh Toepel, Jana Ulrich, wife of Brett, and Jordan Toepel, husband of Susan; step-grandchildren Jared Pennypacker, husband of Jessica, and Erin Hallman, wife of Ben. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren. Shirley was predeceased by her brother, William, and sister Joan M. Cimino, wife of Stanley.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 564 Glasgow Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. A visitation will also be held on Saturday, April 5 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church.

In lieu of Flowers, Contributions can be made to St Peters Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, c/o St Peters Lutheran Church, 564 Glasgow Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.

Add My Condolences

I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person. I have wonderful memories of myself and all the neighbors from Walnut Street playing with Mark.
May God keep you and yours in his arms

~ Helen McDonnell Neville Lawrenceville, GA
4/8/2025 10:20:40 AM

Dear Dick,
I am so saddened to hear of
Shirley's passing. She was a caring, sweet lady.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Please take care of yourself.
Fondly,
Janet Levengood

~ Janet Levengood Pottstown, PA
4/7/2025 3:28:15 PM

Please accept my condolences for your loss. I worked with Richard and remember him telling stories about his life with Shirley. They were funny and full of love that shined through in every word.

~ Enrico Colzani
4/4/2025 2:28:05 PM

I always thought of Shirley as a treasure to have known. We shared stories and had many laughs ?? My husband Bill and I send our heartfelt condolences to Richard and all her family. She will be missed????

~ Sandra Pascal
4/2/2025 11:17:36 AM

Please accept our sincere condolences on our dear friend Shirley’s passing. We were good friends for more than 50 years and honored us as our maid of honor for our wedding. We will certainly miss her warm smile and wonderful personality. Love you Shirley.

~ Allan and Dorothy Brensinger Fort Mill, SC
4/1/2025 9:43:15 PM