Sharon Holland Toppino passed away peacefully on April 28th, 2026, after a lengthy illness. She was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s disease but fought it off for nearly a decade with humility, grace, strength and even joy. She stayed active and enjoyed the company of lifelong friends and family on a regular basis until she could no longer safely leave her home. Sharon was predeceased by her beloved husband of 41 years, Edward “Brother” Toppino, Jr.

Sharon was born in Norfolk, Virginia on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1947, to James Doyle Holland, Sr., US Navy Ret., and Addie Hale Holland. She was welcomed into the world by her sister, Sally, and brothers, James “JD” Holland, Jr., SGM US Army Ret., and W. Sam “Sambill” Holland.

After WWII, the family returned to Key West where Jim was stationed with the US Navy. Jim Holland was a part of the greatest generation and a veteran of the Solomon Islands and Guadalcanal campaigns in WWII. In retirement, he was the proprietor of Margaret-Truman Launderette. He could fix or build just about anything including the homes they lived in and even her mother Addie’s beauty salons.

Sharon attended Poinciana Elementary and Key West High School where she loved being a member of the fabulous Conchettes. It is also where she met the love of her life and future husband, Edward Toppino, Jr., affectionately known as Brother.

After graduating from USF in Tampa, Sharon earned her master’s degree and embarked on a career in education. She retired in 2009 from Florida Keys Community College, now known as The College of the Florida Keys. She mentored and counseled hundreds of students over her career. The students loved her constant smile and her warm and friendly disposition. She was also an active board member of Wesley House Family Services.

She was adored by her daughter, Tiffany Barosso (Blane), and “Mammy” to Tiffany’s children, Catelyn, Michael and Madilyn. She was often seen shuffling the kids from school and around town to various activities. She was also Mammy to their friends who spent countless hours ziplining, fishing, and swimming off the dock at their Key Haven home.

Sharon treated her nieces and nephews like they were her own children. The memories and photographs are too numerous to recount. She never missed a birthday or special event. Her cards were masterpieces of humor and art. She would customize them with pictures and funny quotations. She loved to dress up in costumes and wigs, wear funny glasses, and play practical jokes. Sharon lit up a room with her loving and wonderfully hilarious personality.

Sharon and Brother traveled extensively with their family and friends. Adventurous trips out west and overseas. They especially loved the island life and just being on the water surrounded by their friends boating, fishing, and island hopping.

Sharon’s loss will be deeply felt. She is survived by her brother, Sam Holland, Sr. (Francine), her daughter, Tiffany Toppino Barroso (Blane), grandchildren Catelyn, Michael and Madilyn, numerous nieces and nephews and many, many dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother, JD Holland, and sister, Sally Petit-Barnett.

Prayer services to celebrate her life will be on Wednesday, May 6th, at 3:00PM at Dean Lopez Funeral Home followed by burial at the Toppino Mausoleum in the Key West Cemetary where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Brother. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wesley House Family Services or the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank with much gratitude Rena Mobley, Martha Mack and Gulnara Gumarova for their amazing and compassionate care of Sharon in her final years.