Emily Wanat (Ropeleski)
We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved Emily (Wanat) Ropeleski passed away at the age of 97 ½ on May 31st due to Covid-19. Predeceased by her husband Joseph, parents Frank Wanat and Mary Twarog, and brother Jake. Dearest Mom to her children, Dr. Richard Ropeleski (Linda Wright), Tom Ropeleski (Claire Bodo) and Mary-Ann Dalzell (Sean Dalzell); cherished Nanny to grandchildren Shannon, Lindsay, Megan, Andrea, Kristi, Jeff, Suzy, Neal, and fourteen great grandchildren. She was the much loved Auntie Milly to her many nieces and nephews within the Ropeleski, Wanat, Mizgala, Traczyck, Mazurek, Goralczyk, and Lebkowski families. Her endearing smile will always be remembered as an invitation to friendship, warmth and acceptance.
She arrived in Canada from Leki, a small village in Southern Poland, at the age of ten with her younger brother, Jake. Her fun-loving uncle Andrew Twarog (Stella Kiluk) settled in Springfield, Massachusetts to raise a large, vibrant family. The bonds with her U.S. relatives were always strong, and continued with cousins Dee (Joe Aberdale) and Mary-Ann (Ed Enderle) vowing to keep those ties forever.
She was the last one standing from that Golden Generation of families who embraced the ethic of hard work and decency, born from the struggles of necessity. True hospitality meant food and drink would greet anyone who came to her door. Sainte- Julienne was a very special gathering place for family events. She picked homegrown vegetables from her bountiful garden, wild mushrooms from deep in the forest and lush blueberries from “the caps” above Blue Lake, transforming them into Polish delicacies for all to enjoy. She was an artist who sketched portraits of the family and a master couturier who created coats, hats, costumes, hand beaded wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses.
When Emily took a rare break, the card shark emerged. She played Tysiac , Canasta and Poker with aunties, uncles and friends. When the kids were asleep, heavy betting took place at 5 cents a hand. Winning a pot of 50 cents was reason to rejoice, have another round of drinks, and wake up the kids with all the laughter!
Never wanting to offend anyone, she’d only offer her opinion upon request; then you would get an earful of direct, clear, down to earth logic, with the inevitable question, “What do you expect?” It sure prompted a moment of reflection on basic values and simple solutions.
She remained religiously devoted to her family right to the end, delighting in every new addition to the ever growing list of great grandchildren. Her only consternation was remembering all those currently popular names, saying politely, “that’s kind of different”, and then promptly including them as she prayed her daily rosary.
The family mourns a heart and soul who embraced us all. May God grant her peace, comfort and joy in the presence of those dear ones who passed before her.
Messages of condolence may be sent to [email protected]
Donations in her memory may be sent to Doctors Without Borders, The Missing Children’s Network, or a charity of your choice.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held later this year.
We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved Emily (Wanat) Ropeleski passed away at the age of 97 ½ on May 31st due to Covid-19. Predeceased by her husband Joseph, parents Frank Wanat and Mary Twarog, and brother Jake. Dearest Mom to her children, Dr. Richard Ropeleski (Linda Wright), Tom Ropeleski (Claire Bodo) and Mary-Ann Dalzell (Sean Dalzell); cherished Nanny to grandchildren Shannon, Lindsay, Megan, Andrea, Kristi, Jeff, Suzy, Neal, and fourteen great grandchildren. She was the much loved Auntie Milly to her many nieces and nephews within the Ropeleski, Wanat, Mizgala, Traczyck, Mazurek, Goralczyk, and Lebkowski families. Her endearing smile will always be remembered as an invitation to friendship, warmth and acceptance.
She arrived in Canada from Leki, a small village in Southern Poland, at the age of ten with her younger brother, Jake. Her fun-loving uncle Andrew Twarog (Stella Kiluk) settled in Springfield, Massachusetts to raise a large, vibrant family. The bonds with her U.S. relatives were always strong, and continued with cousins Dee (Joe Aberdale) and Mary-Ann (Ed Enderle) vowing to keep those ties forever.
She was the last one standing from that Golden Generation of families who embraced the ethic of hard work and decency, born from the struggles of necessity. True hospitality meant food and drink would greet anyone who came to her door. Sainte- Julienne was a very special gathering place for family events. She picked homegrown vegetables from her bountiful garden, wild mushrooms from deep in the forest and lush blueberries from “the caps” above Blue Lake, transforming them into Polish delicacies for all to enjoy. She was an artist who sketched portraits of the family and a master couturier who created coats, hats, costumes, hand beaded wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses.
When Emily took a rare break, the card shark emerged. She played Tysiac , Canasta and Poker with aunties, uncles and friends. When the kids were asleep, heavy betting took place at 5 cents a hand. Winning a pot of 50 cents was reason to rejoice, have another round of drinks, and wake up the kids with all the laughter!
Never wanting to offend anyone, she’d only offer her opinion upon request; then you would get an earful of direct, clear, down to earth logic, with the inevitable question, “What do you expect?” It sure prompted a moment of reflection on basic values and simple solutions.
She remained religiously devoted to her family right to the end, delighting in every new addition to the ever growing list of great grandchildren. Her only consternation was remembering all those currently popular names, saying politely, “that’s kind of different”, and then promptly including them as she prayed her daily rosary.
The family mourns a heart and soul who embraced us all. May God grant her peace, comfort and joy in the presence of those dear ones who passed before her.
Messages of condolence may be sent to [email protected]
Donations in her memory may be sent to Doctors Without Borders, The Missing Children’s Network, or a charity of your choice.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held later this year.