Lona Jean Topolinski

Lona Jean Topolinski was born in Port Arthur Texas, on December 31,1937, to John and Troy Crawford. Lona, 88, of Colmesneil, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. She lived a life filled with humor, creativity, and compassion, and she leaves behind a legacy stitched together with love, laughter, and countless memories. Lona was known for her quick wit — the kind of humor that slipped in quietly and landed perfectly. She was the “real deal”.  She had a way of making people laugh without ever trying too hard, and her sharp, clever comments could brighten even the hardest days. 

Lona graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, class of 1956. Where she continued her education at UTMB Galveston chasing the career path of a nurse, where she met the love of her life Ken. They got married, April 23,1965 and moved to Chicago, Illinois where she stopped nursing to raise her family. In the 1970s she went back to school to earn her Psychology degree and earned a Masters Degree in Medical Business Administration. Following retirement, Ken and Lona built themselves the most beautiful home in Colmesneil, Texas, right next to her big brother, John Derrell. 

Outside of work, Lona poured her heart into her sewing and quilting. Her hands were hardly still. She created beautiful quilts, clothing, and handmade gifts that will continue to warm the people she loved. Every stitch reflected her patience, her creativity, and her deep love for her family and friends.

Lona had a favorite piece of advice she shared often: “Keep your ducks in a row.” She lived by it, too. She was organized, thoughtful, and always prepared. And when she said it, it wasn’t just about being organized; it was her way of reminding the people she loved to take care of themselves and their business, and to move through life with intention.

Lona is preceded in death by her parents, John and Troy Crawford; her grandson Bradley; and her beloved husband Kenneth Topolinski.

Survivors include her sons David and James; his wife Elizabeth; her brother John and his wife Barbra; her grandchildren; Jason, Tiffany, Cassy, Teresa, Ashley, Lenny, and Mary; and great-grandchildren; Ryan, Melanie, Adriana, Silas, Riley, Lakelynn, Elliot, Raylee, and 2 baby boys on the way. 

Lona devoted her life to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the 1950s.

She lived out her beliefs through kindness, service, and the way she treated others. Her faith gave her strength, guided her decisions, and brought her peace throughout her life. Those who knew her could see her love for God in the way she loved people — gently, generously, and without hesitation.

Lona will be remembered for her humor, her generosity, her faith, and the way she made people feel truly seen and cared for. She leaves behind family and friends who will forever cherish her warmth, her talent, and the joy she brought into their lives.

Her presence will be deeply missed, but her love — like her quilts — will continue wrapping around us for years to come.

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