Holly Lee (Toepfert) Happensack

Holly Lee (Toepfert) Happensack passed away peacefully at 58 years old in the presence of her loving family on Friday May 14, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. Holly was born on September 25, 1962 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Edward (Ken) and the late Shirley (Murphy) Toepfert. She was a graduate of Colerain High School in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1980 and received her BBA in accounting from the University of Cincinnati (UC) in 1985. She was a proud member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, served as President of her chapter, and made many lifelong friendships while there. At UC, she also met the love of her life, Thomas (Tom) Happensack. They were married on November 2nd, 1985 in Cincinnati where they began their wonderful life together. Holly is survived by her devoted husband, Tom; their four children, Andrea (Brandon) Downing, Tyler “TJ” Happensack, James Happensack, and Cooper Happensack; four siblings, Terri (Ken) Hemmelgarn, Diane (Tom) Anneken, Gary Toepfert, David (Lisa) Toepfert; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her father, Ken Toepfert; her mother-in-law, Rosemary Happensack; her brother-in-law Terry Happensack; and the newest love of her life, her granddaughter Louisa Downing. She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Toepfert; her father-in-law, Jim Happensack; and her brother-in-law, Tim Happensack. Holly dedicated her life to serving others. Whether it was family, friends, or serving her community through church, she gave her time, soul, and energy to those in need. Her final selfless act on earth was to give the gift of life through organ donation. Her legacy will live on through those recipients who will have a new chance at life. Holly lived her life on earth to the fullest and she always found joy in even the simplest of things. She cherished peaceful mornings on her screened porch with a hot cup of coffee, where she would watch and listen to the various wildlife in her backyard. She spent an hour every morning without fail studying The Bible and praying for her family and friends. She took great pride and joy in her family and guided her children through life with love and faith. She treasured her time as ‘Nana’ with her granddaughter Louisa and took any opportunity to travel to Cincinnati to spend time with her. They especially loved to sing, dance, read, color, play outside, and do many other fun activities together. She celebrated all birthdays, holidays, and UC Football tailgates with Louisa as well as yearly vacations to the beach and lake with family. She relished getting to be a grandma and watching Louisa grow up. Holly’s many nieces and nephews cherished their Aunt “Ho-Ho” and were regular visitors to her home, as well as many beloved cousins and friends whom she kept in touch with throughout the years. She enjoyed spending time with her extended family, especially on annual vacations at the lake as well as other trips. She was the keeper of many family traditions and spent the 4th of July recreating her mother’s german potato salad and her mother-in-law’s famous baked beans. She also kept family holidays centered around thankfulness and to everyone’s chagrin, she would make them journal in their ‘thankfulness journals’ every Thanksgiving to reflect on the year and all the blessings they received. Holly also enjoyed Sunday dinners with her family. She was happiest providing this act of service for her children, husband and mother-in-law whom she hosted weekly. Holly had a strong intuition for those in need. She always made time to check in on friends and family, give a bit of encouragement, make a phone call, share a scripture, and be there for those she loved. She was also a dedicated servant of the Lord and her church. She and Tom spent many hours volunteering for their Church clinic caring for those in under-served communities. She also was in multiple prayer groups, and volunteered in the nursery during service. She had a deep and abiding faith which guided and sustained her through all of the good and bad times and she lovingly shared her faith and joy with friends and family giving guidance and comfort. While working was a part of her life, she enjoyed working in organizations where she could connect with her heartfelt beliefs. After starting her career at First Financial Bank as a management trainee and progressing to Operations Officer, she spent many years focusing on raising her children. During this time, she used her accounting and financial knowledge to benefit her church. In Columbus, for the last 13 years she worked part-time as the accounting manager for MusicMax, Inc., where she worked closely with the owner and founder to establish a successful, godly-based business. She was looking forward to retirement so she could spend more time with her granddaughter, Louisa, and travel with her husband and family. Family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by Holly are invited to attend a celebration of her life. In Columbus at Grace Powell Church (7600 Liberty Road N, Powell, Ohio) on Wednesday May 19th, the family will receive visitors from 6 - 7:30pm, followed by a service at 7:30. In Cincinnati at White Oak Christian Church (3675 Blue Rock Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45247) on Saturday May 22nd the family will receive visitors from 10 - 11:30am followed by a service at 11:30. After the Cincinnati service, family and friends are invited to an extended time of fellowship and lunch from 12-4. Details will be provided at the church. Holly was dearly loved by many and will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made in memory of Holly Happensack to Hardin Clinic or Lifeline of Ohio. Holly’s family also invites the community to share special memories, stories, pictures, or scriptures that represent your relationship with her, on her Memorial Page at https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/HollyHappensack/. The family will cherish these memories to reflect and honor Holly’s legacy.

Holly Lee (Toepfert) Happensack

September 25, 1962 - May 14, 2021