Marian Marcella Tope

Marian Marcella Tope, 89, of Prescott, AZ, passed away on Feb. 17, 2013. She was born on Jan. 16, 1924, in Belle Plaine, MN, to Joseph and Mary McRaith. Always the adventurer, Marian joined the Cadet Nurse Corps at 17. She trained at St. Catherine’s College – St. Joseph’s School of Nursing and, upon graduation, was stationed with many of her fellow graduates at Fort Whipple in Prescott Arizona. At Whipple, Marian made many lifelong friends who she treasured to her dying day. Along with friends, Marian met and married a recovering Navy man, Allen Tope, with whom she had four children. Nursing for Marian was not just a career; it was a way of life. Along with nurturing her family, she cared for Phoenix patients in ICU and Orthopedics; eventually retiring from active nursing in 1987 as head nurse of oncology at St. Joseph’s hospital in Phoenix, AZ. Marian was a dedicated Hospice volunteer, active in her church and in the community. She was a founding member of the Clarets at Sacred Heart in the 40’s, and returned to help the organization in its ministries after retirement. She also took pride in her involvement establishing Robert E. Simpson School and the Agnes E. Miller Boy’s Club, both of Phoenix. Marian had a love of all things family and was proud of her Irish heritage, eventually traveling to Ireland to explore her family’s heritage. She treasured her family in Minnesota and enjoyed visiting with them on many trips back home. In retirement, she filled her days playing bridge, golfing, fishing and reading. Lately she could be found chatting with new friends at Willow Wind assisted care & The Good Samaritan Apts. Marian is preceded in death by her husband Allen Tope, her parents Mary & Joe, and siblings Jack, Tom, Kevin, Jerome, Joe, and Therese. She is survived by sons Mark and Greg Tope, and daughters Cathy Clark and Sharon Grassi, as well as 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. ~ For those wishing to make room reservations, please call Springhill Suites at (928) 776-0998 and ask for the group rate under Marian Tope.