Andrea Adele Topolcic

1952 - 2024

TAMPA, Fla. – There is a bright, new star shining through the night, and her name is Andrea.

She was born in Salem, Mass., as Andrea Adele Dionne, in May of 1952. She was the second child of Ernest and Claire Dionne. She was - on day one - a beacon of warmth, a bundle of joy, and the apple of many-an-eye.

She shared her childhood with two sisters, Jeanne and Rose Ann, and a brother, Ernest “Ernie”; and lived in a home always bustling with relatives, cousins, aunts and uncles. Among the family, Andrea was the darling.

Andrea had her own darling, Dr. Dario Topolcic. She met him in high school, married him shortly after, supported him through medical school, and gave him years of joy until his passing in January 2021.

In her professional life, Andrea was a nurse, and it was fitting: She was a natural at care and comfort, bringing solace to many during times of trouble and sadness. She had so many magical powers: Her smile. Her bold and beautiful energy. Her charming way of making you feel good about yourself when nobody else could, because Andrea loved her people perfectly. As God would. She was a life-long devout Catholic, and she never lost her faith in her faith.

She had two green thumbs, orchids being her favorite, the pesky plants thriving for decades in her care. She loved all living creatures – cats especially – and she never tired of children asking questions about the marvels of creation.

It did not take much to fill Andrea’s heart with gladness. A cardinal singing in a tree could make her day. Even a bad dad joke would make her laugh in a way that would make you laugh, too. And I assure you, if your day was awful, just one hug from Andrea would turn it around.

Her life was not an easy one, and her body caused her troubles, but you never would have known it. She had pride and hope. She was steadfast and faithful. She was the light of the universe in a human suit, and the world was better when she was wearing it.

At the young age of 71, however, on Feb. 11, 2024, her soul and aching body parted ways. She passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of her loved ones. She is more powerful today than yesterday, as her legacy of love will live on in her family, and her joy will be found in the dark places where light shines.

Like all the stars in the sky.

Those who left the earth before her were her husband, Dr. Dario Topolcic; her parents, Ernest “Pepa” and Claire “Mema” Dionne; her brother-in-law, Dr. Kenneth Goodman; as well as many other beloved relatives.

Left behind to live joyously in her honor are her siblings and their spouses, Jeanne and Rose Ann and Ernie; their children, and their children’s children; family-member by proxy – her 30-year-long housekeeper, Lori; as well as many others who were lucky enough to know her and be loved by her.

Family will hold a life celebration later.