Crystal Lee Okonski

Crystal Lee “Cris” Okonski, resident of Toledo, OH, passed away after a long illness on February 2, 2025. Crystal was born on February 3, 1946, to Edward and Frances (Gilbert) Collins in Detroit, MI. Crystal spent most of her career working alongside her sister, Sharon Meade as an admission clerk at Mercy St. Vincent Hospital. Cris met Thomas “Tom” Okonski through friends and married in May 1966 and enjoyed 58 years of marriage.

Crystal had many hobbies over the years, which included horseback riding and owning her own horse, Chico. She relished spending vacations at various cottages with family and friends and every summer on her days off she would take her kids to various lakes to swim. Cris was an avid reader and loved Stephen King novels. She loved to travel and took several trips with her husband, Tom and her children. Cris even traveled to Paris and Egypt with her daughter, Shelly. Cris was the “fun mom: and welcomed neighbors, friends, and all the neighborhood kids with open arms. She would always have an extra plate and a warm hug for all. Cris enjoyed playing bingo with her sister, Sharon, gardening, swimming, cooking, shopping, classic cars, music, and most of all spending time with her family.

Cris was a loving wife and mother. She is loved by many friends and family. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Thomas Okonski; daughter, Michelle (Mike) Vandergrift; sons, Jeffrey Okonski and Jason (Nicci) Okonski; sister, Sharon Meade; granddaughters, Vera and Ava Okonski; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Mark and Edward “Ted” Collins; and grandson, Micah Vandergrift.

Family and friends may visit Friday, February 7, 2025, from 3-7 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. The Funeral Service will follow at 7 pm.

The family would like to thank the staff of First Health Hospice for their loving care of Cris. Memorial donations may be given to the Toledo Area Humane Society.