Stephania Popeck

Stephania L. Popeck, 97 years old of Kerrville, passed away on July 13, 2016 in Kerrville, Texas. She was born in Layden, NY to Mathias and Marianna Lipka on February 28, 1919. Stephania married Michael Popeck on May 4, 1940 in "A Little Village Church" in Catatonk, NY. \r\n \r\nServices will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Notre Dame Catholic Church celebrated by Monsignor Michael Boulette. The Rosary will precede the service at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow the service at Garden of Memories Cemetery. \r\n \r\nStephanie is preceded in death by husband, Michael Popeck; parents, Mathias and Marianna Lipka; brother, Edward Lipka; sisters, Helen Balcerski, Sophia Karamen, Jenny Lipka and Mary Mead.\r\n \r\nSurvivors include two brothers, Anthony Lipka of Owego, NY and Stanley Lipka of Hubbard, OH; one sister, Eleanor Cornett of Tarrytown, NY; their son, James M. Popeck and wife Dorie of Maine, NY and James' four children, Jim Jr., Krista, Billy and Kara; great grandchildren; and many loving relatives.\r\n \r\nStephanie and Michael moved to Kerrville in 1978 from Binghampton, NY. Michael retired from the Postal Service, and here they came, after traveling through many U.S. states previously, this trip was towards Texas, at last-two to choose from-Fredericksburg or Kerrville. Yes, we were blessed! They moved to Arrow Lane; immediately started helping at Notre Dame Church and School. They helped with festivals, Bingo, plays, outside fixer ups with "Steffie," "his right hand woman." Stephanie was a member of Notre Dame Women.\r\n \r\nStephanie and Michael also delivered Meals on Wheels weekly, and to help Meals on Wheels save money, they used their own car and gas. They served coffee and donuts on Family Communion Sunday. Week days, Stephanie and Michael opened the church at 6:30 AM and prepared for daily serves by tending to the altar and candles. They were very involved with the Knights of Columbus, doing the same as always, serving others. The Knights will serve as pallbearers.\r\n \r\nThey loved camping and fishing, especially in up state New York. Yes, Steffie caught some of the largest fish, Mike would say. They kept healthy by exercising three times a week, even at 92 and 98, by lifting weights or walking.\r\n \r\nIn 2008, they decided to move to Independent Living at Plaza on the River. Michael passed away in 2011 at 98 years old, 12 days short of 99 years. Stephanie had a stroke on her right side shortly after, effecting her arm, hand and leg. In 2012, she decided it was time to move to the nursing home, now Brookdale Plaza on the River. Well, four years later, she went home to Michael. \r\n \r\nDuring Stephanie's time at the nursing home, many came to visit. One day while at lunch, Stephanie came back to her room to a large vase of beautiful flowers on her dresser from a mystery admirer. A day after, Louis Romero, came to visit and acknowledged the beautiful flowers. For about three years, Stephanie would see Louis and Rosemary often. They brought flowers and fun items to make Stephanie's soft blue eyes sparkle and see her sweet smile and laugh. Andy Miciotto and Betty Tunsdal brought her communion twice a week. This was Stephanie's absolute delight! Stephanie was wheelchair bound. She had another stroke in October 2015 but gave her best. \r\n \r\nWe thank all who visited her. Her nurses, aides and Rodney Bacon, administrator, she loved like family. Dr. Murrmann, we thank you, and all the staff at the Plaza. Special thank you to Gentiva Hospice. Thanks to Ginny, George, Louis, Michelle, Rylee, Betty and Charles Domingues for your support in her last couple days. Again, the entire Plaza nurses, aides, kitchen and cleaning crew were her family. Thank you from Stephanie's family from New York and Ohio that couldn't be with her, we thank you all - Alton and Patricia. \r\n \r\nIn lieu of flowers, you may send memorials to Notre Dame Catholic Church, St. Peter Upon the Water or to the Raphael Clinic. \r\n \r\n \r\n