Obituary of Hope Topf Kaye

Obituary: Hope Topf Kaye (1929 - 2023)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, & grandmother, Hope Topf Kaye. She peacefully left this world at the age of 94 on Thursday, May 18th 2023. 

She touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

Hope was raised in Orange, New Jersey. She waS a graduate of Upsala College who then became a teacher. 

She married her beloved husband, Mel, in 1947 after his return from WWII. 

Hope then became a mother in 1951 of Constance Cookie Kaye & then 1952 of Jeffrey Kaye. 

Her next career was homemaker and antique dealer with her mom, in Carrie Topf Antiques South Orange NJ through 2000.

She was steadfastly by her husband Mel’s side on all kinds of adventures including boating and becoming one the first women in the United States to be Power Squadron Certified to operate a large power boat in 1958.

Hope was an extraordinary woman who left a mark on many lives. 

She was a pillar of strength and love, always present at every important milestone and event in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. 

From birthdays to sports to graduations, she never missed an opportunity to support and celebrate her family and their friends.

She lost the love of her life, her husband Mel, in 2008 and then dedicated herself to her family even more—if even more was even possible.

Her genuine warmth and friendly nature made her a beloved figure in the communities of South Orange, Short Hills & later Basking Ridge where she made many new friends.

Hope had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and valued.

Like her mother before her, Hope's kitchen was always filled with the aromas of delicious homemade meals. Whether it was a holiday feast or a simple family gathering, her cooking brought togetherness. 

These types of traditions will be passed down through the next generations of the family tree. 

She was a dedicated and loving to her parents, her husband Mel, her children, Cookie Kaye Tutela and son Robert & wife Jordyn plus her Great Grandchildren Stevie & Presley; To her son Jeffrey Kaye and his children Greg & wife Corey, Brandon, & Samantha Kaye

She cherished her younger brother Terry & wife Marsha Topf and their Children Bill & wife Caryn Topf and children Lindsay & Josh; Wendy Topf Miller & son Max; Jaimee & husband Paco Corbet and their children Delaney & Tessa Corbet. 

Hope’s marriage was a shining example of love, commitment, and unwavering support of family. It was her greatest joy, and she showered the family with endless affection and wisdom. 

The arrival of her great-grandchildren, Stevie and Presley, brought an extra sparkle to her eyes, and she cherished every moment spent with them—even learning to Face Time with them daily at age 92.

Hope's name truly embodied her spirit. She faced life's challenges with unwavering optimism and instilled hope in those around her. Her resilience and positive outlook on life were an inspiration to all who knew her. 

As we mourn the loss of our beloved Hope, let us also carry her name as a reminder to find hope, strength, and love in every aspect of our lives. 

In honor of Hope Kaye's remarkable journey, a gathering and then memorial service will be held on 6/1/23 at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ at 11:30 to 12:30 & Service from 12:30 to 1:00 pm.

We invite all those whose lives she touched to join us in celebrating her life. 

Visitors are also welcome to the Kaye home at 441 Ridge Rd., Watchung, NJ, on 6/1/23 from 6:15 to 8 pm and then for a brief Shiva memorial service that will be held at 8 pm.