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JOYCE STOPERA
Born: Jul 18, 1940
Date of Passing: Apr 14, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOYCE STOPERA
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts we announce the unexpected passing of Joyce Stopera, in her home, on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 83 years of age.
Joyce will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her daughter, Shelley Stopera, granddaughters, Alanna Scammell (Bradley Green) and Katelyn Scammell, great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Casey Green, sisters, Gloria Olynyk and Stephanie Smolarski, sister-in-law, Alice Johnson, and nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Lawrence Stopera, parents, Minnie and Nicholas Fedoruk, and sisters, Frances Gunning and Violet Hryciw.
Joyce was raised on a mixed farm in Stead, Manitoba, and was the second oldest of five girls. She attended Brodie and Thalberg North Schools; she always spoke of walking a mile to school with her sisters. Joyce was a quick learner and skipped two grades.
Joyce later moved to the city and began her career in the banking industry. Her first job was at the Royal Bank, followed by supervisory and other roles at many branches. Joyce was passionate about her work. After having her family, she resumed her career in branches from St. Norbert to downtown at the Bank of Montreal. In 1981, she miraculously survived a serious accident with a bus, which was a life-changing experience.
On May 13, 1961, Joyce married Lawrence Stopera from Howden, MB. They spent 41 wonderful years residing in the Howden community as members of the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church and community hall. Following the 1997 flood, they relocated to South St. Vital to a new home on a two-acre lot where they shared many happy years. In 2021, Joyce moved to Southpark Estates after Lawrence’s passing.
Joyce’s values were deeply rooted in family, love, hospitality and kindness. She was witty and had a contagious laugh. She loved a competitive game of cards and always insisted on having snacks and prizes on hand. She never visited empty-handed, and her family cherished her generosity. She supported two Roman Catholic parishes and many charitable organizations.
In every memory of Joyce, we will remember her feeding her family. Her love poured from her generosity and eagerness to ensure everyone was fed and our hearts were full. There was always an extra seat at her table and too much food. Preserving her family heritage was important to her, and she spent countless hours teaching her granddaughters how to bake and make Ukrainian signature dishes. In this way, we know she will always be at the table with us.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with Father Sleeva Palla officiating at St. Vital Church (1629 Pembina Hwy). Viewing will take place at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Thomson “In The Park” Funeral Home and Cemetery (1291 McGillivray Blvd).
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2024, Apr 20, 2024