The next part of Amy's family tree happened when I married her loving stepfather, Norm Topf on August 11, 1991. Amy inherited a whole new set of grandparents, another aunt and uncle and 2 more girl cousins - as well as a whole slew of Topfs and those related to this wonderful family!!   Amy was almost 13 when we moved to Rocky Hill, CT.

 

        

Amy on the beach at Block Island,                        Amy, beginning of 7th grade,
            summer 1991                                                    just turned 13

 

At the end of 8th grade, Amy received the Superintendent's Award from the Griswold Junior
High School.  This award was given to 2 students from each school who were in their last year at
that school - 6th grade, 8th grade and 12th grade.  The teachers nominated students who best
exemplified a positive role model, good citizenship, maturity, accepted responsibility, etc. in
their lives and in their treatment of others.  Amy, being so shy and quiet at that age, insisted
they sent the letter to "the wrong Amy" and made me call the Superintendent's Office to verify.

 

Amy grew into a beautiful young lady.  Her smile and big brown eyes were very striking and her
inner spirit shined.  When she turned 16, she got her first job - at Dunkin Donuts.  Eventually she
ended up being a shift leader and her work ethic was firmly in place.   This work ethic followed
her the rest of her very short life.

 

                                         

                    

                                                              Amy 16 years old