Pavela Toporcer Dillon

Obituary

Pavela Marie Toporcer Dillon, age 73, of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia passed away on January 18, 2026. She was born on February 15, 1952 to the late Steve and Dorothy Lonich Toporcer of Fredericktown, PA.

She graduated from Bethlehem-Center High School in 1970 and proceeded to earn her degree in education from California State College. She moved to Australia in 1974 when she was offered a round trip plane ticket and a teaching contract from the State of Queensland. She stayed put and made Australia her permanent home, establishing a career as an elementary school teacher. There, she met and married her husband Ross Dillon, who is a native of Australia. Together they have a son, Stephen Dillon.

After retiring from teaching, she worked with her husband Ross to establish a horse brood mare property in the Hunter Valley in Scone, New South Wales. Pav and Ross shared a love for travel, and that passion took them on many trips and adventures They not only traveled extensivley within Australia and the USA, but also managed to visit every continent.

Pavela is survived by her husband of 50 years Ross Dillon, son Stephen and his wife Lauren, and 2 grandsons. She is also survived by her sisters Sandra Sakaguchi of Hilo, Hawaii, Brenda Allen (Michael) of Clarksville, Maryland and two nephews Mikie and Phil Allen  of Maryland. She is also survived by a host of extended family and dear friends in Australia and the US.

Private services will be held in Australia.

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