Obituary for
Patricia M Topham (Gilmartin)
Patricia M. Topham, 82, of Campton, New Hampshire passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, at Golden View Health Care Center, in Meredith, NH., after a courageous battle with several prolonged illnesses.
Pat was born in Manchester, NH on August 20, 1935. And while she moved several times during her elementary school years, she was proud to have graduated from West High School in 1953. She remained close to many of her class mates throughout the years and enjoyed their frequent reunions.
During her growing up years, Pat enjoyed ice skating and roller skating and competed in both at rinks around Manchester. She also loved to dance and taught dance lessons with the local Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Manchester.
Married to Richard L. Topham of Plymouth, NH for 58 years, they resided in the Plymouth area for many years. She was active in the community through her work with the March of Dimes, Girls Scouts and as a Cub Scout Den Mother. Pat served on the board of the Speare Memorial Hospital for a number of years and she was active in the Plymouth United Methodist Church.
Pat worked for many years as a librarian at the Pease Public Library for the town of Plymouth and then at the Gordon Nash Library in New Hampton, New Hampshire. She was an avid reader and especially loved children’s literature. She was a guest lecturer/instructor at Plymouth State University for many years presenting the highlights of children’s literature to students in elementary education.
After her library careers, she was asked to be the professional and personal assistant to Dr. Nevin Scrimshaw, a pioneer in nutrition research. Her work for Dr. Scrimshaw was challenging and educational and she enjoyed that time very much.
Pat was predeceased by her son Mark A. Topham, who died I June of 2017
Pat is survived by her husband, Richard L. Topham of Campton, NH., daughter Kim Mayhew and her husband Jack of Park City, UT., son Chris L. Topham of Campton, NH., son Gavel C. Topham and his significant other Lori of Manchester, NH., grandson, Peter John Mayhew and his wife Victoria of Park City, UT., and several nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to the staff at Golden View Health Care Center. As per her wishes, she will be cremated and a celebration of life will be planned for the spring.
Memorial donations in her memory may be made to the Plymouth United Methodist Church, 334 Fairgrounds Road, Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264.
“I am at peace, my soul at rest, there is no need for tears. With your love I was so blessed for all those many years.”