Raynice "Sally" Kennedy Topolski

12/23/1943- 2/27/2022

Sally Topolski passed away peacefully on February 27, 2022.

Sally was born in Joliet, Illinois to parents Dr. Raymond and Bernice Kennedy. She was one of five children, and loved to talk about growing up with her twin sister Patty, and dancing with her brothers.

Sally was a graduate of Barry University, in Miami, with a Bachelors of Science degree. She formed life long friendships that exist today with many of her college classmates.

While on a trip home during college Sally was introduced to her future husband Ted Topolski, by her brother Dick Kennedy. Never one to be shy, Sally took the bold first step of asking Ted out. Of course, he accepted, and after four years of dating they were married. Although they were married for over 50 years, the courting never ended and Sally always affectionately called Ted her "Boyfriend".

They married in 1968, and moved to Toledo, Ohio. They welcomed the first of their three children Lisa. Ted and Sally moved several times around the Midwest and welcomed daughter Stacey, and son Jon into the family along the way.

Sally was a wonderful mother, and not only to her own children. Throughout their moves, Sally worked as a teacher. She specialized in early childhood education, and was very hands-on. She was passionate about finding new and creative ways to teach. She knew that children learned in different ways and she was constantly designing new games and activities to help make learning fun for all of her students. Sally affectionately referred to her students as her "Chickens".

In 1978, the family moved to Houston, TX, and have resided in the same home in Huntwick ever since.

In Houston, Sally was able to continue her passion for teaching and taught pre-school at Nadine's Academy for over two decades. After it's closing, she continued to teach at The Banff School, and Abercrombie Academy.

Sally had a reputation as a wonderful teacher of students, but also mentored many new teachers. She shared her wealth of experience, and her creative teaching games to many of them, and always lent an empathetic ear and offered wisdom to them throughout their careers.

Sally loved her family. She was the ever-present mom. Whether it was as a volunteer with the girls in National Charity League, or as a team mom for Jon's teams, she loved participating in her kids lives. Sally and Ted always had an open-door policy with the kids' friends, and Sally was there with open ears and chips and queso to welcome one and all.

Sally became "Mimi" to her seven grandkids, and enjoyed watching them grow up. She couldn't remove being a teacher from her life, and loved sitting on the floor and introducing her games to them. Family has always been important, and Sally and Ted spent significant time in Dallas with the kids, and grandkids.

Sally is survived by her husband Ted; daughter Lisa Williams, her husband Mark Williams, and their sons Matthew and John; daughter Stacey Topolski Waide, and her twin son and daughter Jack and Kate Waide; son Jon Topolski, his wife Sarah, and their three daughters Whitney, Hollis, and Elin; her brothers Richard Kennedy of Colorado, and Raymond Kennedy of Minnesota.

The family would like to recognize that there are too many people to thank for their love and kindness in their moment of need.

In the current environment, they have chosen to honor Sally privately, but appreciate your prayers and condolences. Please feel free to share any messages to the family or any favorite memories on the guestbook. In lieu of flowers, and only if you are so inclined, the family has asked donations be made on Sally's behalf to MD Anderson Cancer Center, and St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

St Jude's https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/GiftFunds/GiftFunds?px=5720033&pg=personal&fr_id=39300

MD Anderson

In memory of Sally Topolski, contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts.

If you are inclined to donate to MD Anderson, please reference Sally Topolski in the Memory page. You do not need to complete the information about notifying anyone specifically. The family will be notified of the name of the donor, to allow of to thank you properly.