JEAN KOPANSKY (TOMCZAK)

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JEAN KOPANSKY (nee TOMCZAK) September 30, 1926 - November 13, 2011 Very peacefully, at the age of 85, our beloved mother, grandmother and sister slipped away to enter the gates of Heaven. Peter, her beloved husband and partner, predeceased her in 2003. She is missed by her daughters, Diane (Alan), Shellie (Albert), Brenda (Ric); grandsons, Eric (Kathryn), Jordan, Michael, Tyler; and brother Richard (Elsie). When life exceeds your expectations, it has been a good one! This shy farm girl had experiences she never thought possible. Following high school, Jean left home for the big city and an independent life with an apartment and job at a sewing factory. Loving to dance, she was affectionately called Half Moon Jean . After marrying Peter, she stayed home to raise their family and those sewing skills proved invaluable in clothing three daughters throughout their school years. Eventually, Jean felt the desire to stretch herself and re-entered the workforce, part-time, with The Bay. A significant highlight in her life came after retirement when Peter agreed to build her dream cottage in Belair. In addition to dancing, Jean loved gardening, camping, spending time at the cottage, bonfires, Polka music, bike riding, country walks and travel. She often said, I never thought a farm girl from Manitoba would see so much of the world! . To Jean, life was about social interaction to share and laugh with others. She loved a competitive card game or just a meal with family and friends. She believed that impromptu phone calls, remembering birthdays and short visits were ways to best show her love. She always spoke her mind while her integrity and honesty were beyond reproach. At times, Jean's personality was larger than life! Her family would like to express genuine gratitude to the many compassionate caregivers that brightened Jean's day. Kim and Stella were paramount in providing loving care and friendship for our mother while her neighbour, Helen, graciously assisted in many ways. Thank-you to the Middlechurch Adult Day Program staff. Mom couldn't miss her day out with her friends. A private family graveside service has taken place with interment at the cemetery of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Cooks Creek, Manitoba, where she was baptized and married. The circle from her baptism is now complete. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Canadian Celiac Association, Manitoba Chapter, 123 St. Anne's Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2M 2Z1.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 19, 2011