Born in Detroit, Michigan, to immigrant parents from Scotland, she and her sister, Sr. Margaret McGinley, were the first generation to attend and graduate from college. Jessie received her bachelor’s degree in education from Marygrove and went on to receive her master’s degree from the University of Detroit. She married James Topper and they had 4 children, Margie (Don Prichard), Jim (Sandy Topper), Andy (Amy Topper) and Sue (Roger Crook). After moving to Walled Lake, Michigan, she worked in the public school system as an elementary teacher.
Her first husband, Jim, died in 1972 and she was left to raise 4 teenagers on her own. She met her 2nd husband, John Tucholski, at a singles dance.
He brought his 2 adult sons, Paul and Glen into the family. She was preceded in death by John in 2006. She was an active volunteer for Hospice and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. She loved playing bridge and was highly sought after as a partner, a member of the board of directors for Heritage Lakes where she lived, past president of the West Pasco Branch of the American Association of University Women, volunteered for Hospice and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, and participated in water aerobics and line dance for years.
She is survived by 8 grandchildren, Jimmy (Laura Topper), Kasey (Ryan Engel), Kenny (Sabrina Prichard), Kyle (Christine Prichard), Samantha Brent, Darren (Elizabeth Crook), Laura Topper(Mario)and Steven Topper. She mourned the death of her grandson Daniel Crook, taken from us at such an early age.
She was great grandmother to Elyse, Kyla, Avalee, Karter, Keelin, Reese, Luke, Mackenzie & Henry.

Memorial Service to be held at Dobies Funeral Home, 8825 Old CR 54, New Port Richey, FL 34653, Friday, March 6th, starting at 6pm.

Funeral Mass to be held Saturday, March7th, at 10am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 8320 Old CR 54, New Port Richey, FL 34653

Donations may be made in her name to STA Early Childhood Center, 8320 Old CR 54, New Port Richey, FL 34653, which Jessie supported by providing scholarships to needy children.