Frances Topolewski

Frances (Wojtowicz) Topolewski, born May 25, 1931, went to be with our Lord and Savior on November 19, 2022. She struggled with many health challenges in her later years—most recently diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Frances was the beloved wife of the late Barney S. Topolewski, loving mother of Kathleen (David) Florko; Nancy (John) Willyard, the late Susan Franceschi, Shirley (Duran) Grisa, and Anne Marie Martinez. She was a cherished grandmother to 19 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and one expected to be born in June 2023. Frances was the youngest child of Leon and Stella Wojtowicz. Her parents preceded her in death as did all 12 of her siblings. Growing up during the depression, World War II, and her father’s poor health, she was no stranger to sacrifice and heartache. Due to hard economic times, she had to stop attending high school at the age of 16 in order to help support her parents/family. Her aspirations of being a bookkeeper were realized nonetheless when she met and married her husband of 47 years who (along with his father) owned and operated Bill & Barney’s Tool Works. Frances handled all the accounting and cash management for the company making sure that all employees and creditors were paid on a timely basis. Frances was a devout Catholic who prayed the Rosary daily and attended weekly mass until her health rendered her unable to do so. She was also a devoted mother, homemaker, and awesome Polish cook. She was a second mother to several of her grandchildren who regarded her as a “steady rock” throughout their childhoods. She was an avid reader who enjoyed novels authored by James Patterson and Nora Roberts. Wednesday Bingo and Yahtzee nights were enjoyed regularly along with in-person and online casino gaming. One of her greatest joys was singing in the choir at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church (Detroit, Michigan) alongside her husband who was the organist. During the past year, Frances was blessed to share a home with her daughter, Shirley, and husband, Duran, where she was lovingly cared for (spoiled) by many additional members of the family. She is remembered by her children and grandchildren as a great listener, best friend, and most ardent supporter. She put everyone’s needs before her own, and prayed for their well-being incessantly. She leaves a big hole in the hearts of her family, but they are comforted by the knowledge that she is now at peace, free of pain, and with all her loved ones that have been patiently waiting for her arrival. A visitation will be held for Frances at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd., Livonia Friday, November 25, 2022 from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. She will be instate at Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church,4440 Russell St, Detroit, Saturday from 10:30 AM until her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Parkview Memorial Cemetery. Please share a memory of Frances on her Tribute Wall.