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STEPHANIA JO LOPUCK
Date of Passing: Mar 17, 2021
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STEPHANIA JO LOPUCK
1923 - 2021
She is survived by sons, Bill (Barbara Thom) and Tim, grandchildren, Bryan Lopuck and Megan Thom (Gord), great-granddaughters, Jasper Lily and Laine Wilding, whom she loved dearly, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband Stan, five sisters and two brothers.
Jo was born in 1923 in North Transcona to Nick and Anne Sushnyk, and grew up with her family in the East End, graduating from Central School. She left home for Toronto and met Winnipeg native William Bachynski, whom she married, and their son Bill was born shortly thereafter. After her husband died unexpectedly of medical complications, she returned to Transcona as a single parent where her parents assisted her in raising her son.
She obtained employment at Eaton's and soon after enrolled in the Angus School of Business where she excelled in business and secretarial courses to a degree that she was hired by Winnipeg Paint and Glass for office work. During this time, she met Stan Lopuck. They married and built a new home together.
Jo's career took off when a young manufacturer's agent hired her, and they opened up an office on the twelfth floor of the Childs Building, Winnipeg's skyscraper at the time. With home and work life progressing, Jo's second son, Tim, was born. Family complete, she now dedicated herself to the expanding business, returning to Red River College for drafting and architectural courses, becoming an integral part of the company. She was asked to become a shareholder, thereby a company owner. She became a member of the Winnipeg Construction Association and was later the first woman elected to its Board of Directors. This position offered her the opportunity to travel Canada and meet many industrial and political leaders, including prime ministers. She was named an Honorary Board Member of the Association and attended its annual Christmas banquet until she was 95. Never one to stop learning, Jo received her Microsoft Office Certification when she was 80.
Jo was very political and put her hat in the ring to run as an MLA for the PC Party under Sterling Lyon in the 1981 Manitoba general election, at a time when not many women were politically active. She did not win the race in the NDP stronghold of Transcona, but remained proud of her effort. She had served on the Community Council and represented Transcona in support of Winnipeg's centennial, getting the opportunity to meet many fellow Manitobans. She worked during many elections as Returning Officer for her district.
Her awards for community service were numerous. When no one else volunteered, she would, including 12 years volunteering at St. Boniface Hospital, holding office at the Legion and receiving a meritorious award, receiving the City of Winnipeg Award from Mayor Juba, President of St. Michaels Church women's league and procurer of the cheese and potatoes needed for the hundreds of dozens of perogies made biweekly and lottery seller at church bingos. She missed playing cribbage and the other activities with people in her building this last year.
Her creativity and exuberance were felt by those who worked with her, and she loved being in the middle of things. She drove to her cottage at Lester Beach on weekends until she was 96, and maintained a valid driver's license until recently. She loved to fish.
We will deeply miss her thoughtfulness and generosity.
Covid restrictions are in effect. Private funeral will take place.
Cropo Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 20, 2021
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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Condolences Tim & family… - Posted by: Tom Martin (Former coworker) on: Oct 21, 2021
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Bill, very sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. May she rest in peace. In Jesus' name Amen - Posted by: John Evans (Friend) on: Mar 25, 2021
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Our deepest condolences to your family on your loss. Your mother had been a great and close friend to our family for many years. We will miss seeing her on our visits to the old neighbourhood and at Lester Beach, but will continue to remember her fondly for the many happy times spent together. - Posted by: Rick & Shelly Stefaniuk (Family Friend / Neighbors) on: Mar 23, 2021
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I am so sorry for your loss Bill, Tim, and family. I always enjoyed talking with Aunt Jo. She was a kind woman, and she always made my Grandma and Grandpa laugh and smile. In fact, I have a picture of her by My Grandpas beside and they are both laughing. She will be missed, but never forgotten. Sending much love. - Posted by: Taryn Robidoux (Hinds) (Uncle Mike and Aunt Marions Granddaughter(Debbies daughter)) on: Mar 23, 2021
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Jo and my Mom (Stella) were best of friends, they travelled to go gambling and could be found in each others company, playing crib, friendly settlers and again playing crib at the legion. Your Mom would come and visit my Mom when she came home from the hospital, even though she had to stay in the hallway. Your Mom was a real force of nature, and such a caring friend to so many. I visited her after my Mom passed, again in the hallway, and spoke to her on the phone, and she just wanted to know how we were doing. Now the best of friends are together again visiting and of course playing cards. Please accept my condolences on the loss of such a great lady. - Posted by: Linda (Winzinowich) Arseniuk (friend) on: Mar 23, 2021
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Hello Timmy, Bill and families, I had the most pleasant visit with your MOM, June, 2019 while in Transcona. I was amazed by her energy and 'love for life and her family'! Wishing you all well during this time. - Posted by: Torrie Fonda (Davis) (Neighbor) on: Mar 22, 2021
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I will miss my dear Aunt. I enjoyed her obit, and learned a lot about her that I did not know. She was definitely a "shaker and a mover" and I was proud to be her niece. When I feel old at 73, I think Geez, I could have another 24 years yet! (like Aunt Jo.) My sincere condolences to those who loved her. - Posted by: terry potts (niece) on: Mar 22, 2021
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To Jo's family ~ For many years our late parents Michael and Lena Shewchuk enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Jo as Villa neighbours and friends, participating in many of the same organizations and activities at the Church and the Villa. Jo was such a vibrant, accomplished, and inspirational lady. She will forever live in your hearts and your many special memories. - Posted by: Geri Porath and Kathy Ramsay (Acquaintances) on: Mar 21, 2021
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My sincere condolences to the Lopuck family. Transcona has lost a superior role model and trailblazer. Please be assured that her legacy will continue in the many people she positively influenced during her lifetime. Mrs. Lopuck will be fondly remembered and treasured for years to come. - Posted by: Nello Altomare (MLA for Transcona) on: Mar 21, 2021
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I worked briefly with Jo at Traverse. (3 years) I learned so much under her tutelage. Our sincere Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Joyce Mac Gregor (Employee ) on: Mar 20, 2021
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I am so sorry to hear about your Mom passing away Bill. My condolences go to you and your family. 🙏🙏 - Posted by: Yvette. Evans (Aunt) on: Mar 20, 2021
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Bill & family, so sorry to read about your mom's passing. Thinking of you “Shoosh” - Posted by: Cheryl Odette Hnatiuk (Shoosh) (Friend) on: Mar 20, 2021
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I have known Jo for many years from the Transcona Legion and the lake. I will miss our conversations. My condolences to her family. Rest In Peace Jo. - Posted by: Doreen wiens (Friend) on: Mar 20, 2021
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Our condolences to Bill and Tim and your families on your loss. We were so fortunate to meet Jo through Michael and Lena Shewchuk many years ago. What an interesting and vibrant lady! Life will not be the same for you without her. We are sure that, although you have suffered a tremendous loss, her memories that you hold dear in your hearts, will console and sustain you through these difficult times. Rest in peace Jo. - Posted by: Len and Vicki Lazaruk (friends and realtor) on: Mar 20, 2021
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Gerry & Evelyn wish the family many condolences. We knew Jo for 15 years and looked forward to seeing her on different days and during different activities both at the Villa and over at the church and Senior Mondays. - Posted by: Evelyn Upshaw (acquaintance ) on: Mar 20, 2021
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