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JOSEPHINE (JOSIE) POPEL (URSO)
Date of Passing: Apr 19, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
JOSEPHINE (JOSIE) POPEL
(nee URSO)
Josie will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her devoted husband Stan of 56 years; daughter Wendy Koekkoek; son-in-law Ron and grandson Luke. Josie leaves to mourn her siblings, Sam (Joyce), Seena, Agnes and Frank (Marge). She also leaves behind a number of cherished nieces and nephews.
Josie was predeceased by her parents, Vincenzo and Ninfa; sisters, Maria and Angeline; as well as her little furry friend Bruno.
Josie was the person you could always rely on no matter what the circumstances. She made the good times even better and the hard times easier to bear. She was someone that anybody would have been lucky to have in their corner: honest, dependable and fearless. We were incredibly lucky that we got to have her in our corner.
She was selfless, always prioritizing the happiness and well being of others over herself. She always made sure everyone else was fed, comfortable and happy, before herself. Every occasion was made memorable by her special touch and extra effort. She put bunny tracks in the snow when it was Easter, she and Stan dressed up at Halloween to scare the kids, and she arranged a pirate treasure hunt for her grandson's birthday.
The thing Josie loved most in life was always her family. To her, family included everyone, down to the family dog, Bruno, who would sit alongside her and watch the price is right. One of Josie's favourite places to be was at the cottage she and her husband built at Lester Beach. She could often be found tending to her flower garden or sitting on the deck with a table full of food and conversation. Family and friends were always welcome. She was also proud of her time as a five-pin bowler in the Broadway mixed league. Josie was passionate about the Winnipeg Jets and never missed a game; she kept careful track of their season progress through a number of spreadsheets.
Josie also had a great sense of humour. She could make those who knew her laugh just from a look, expression or a story she shared.
Even though she is no longer here with us, we are all lucky that we had the privilege of knowing her, either as a mother, wife, sister, grandma, aunt, or friend: she took pride in all these roles and made an impact in so many lives. Her strength, humour, humility, kindness, generosity and selflessness, will all be deeply missed by those she leaves behind. Josie will always live on through the warm memories and cherished moments remembered by those she touched.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations in Josie's memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 1379 Kenaston Blvd., Winnipeg, MB, R3P 2T5.
In keeping with Josie's wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.
Our lives go on without you,
But nothing is the same,
We have to hide our heartaches,
When someone speaks your name.
Sad are the hearts that love you,
Silent the tears that fall,
Living our lives without you,
Is the hardest part of all.
You did so many things for us,
Your heart was kind and true,
And when we needed someone,
We could always count on you.
The special years will not return,
When we were all together,
But with the love within our hearts,
You will walk with us forever.
Neil Bardal Funeral Centre
204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2020
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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It is with a sad heart when I heard the passing of your mom, Wendy. She was always welcoming and kind to me and always willing to chat whenever I was at your house. I always thought you were so lucky to have her as a Mom and I know she cherished Luke. May all of those special memories that you shared with your mom give you comfort during this difficult time. With sincere sympathy, Lisa Rand, Kerry, Liam and Kaitlyn Mitchell - Posted by: Lisa Rand (Friend of Wendy & Ron) on: Apr 28, 2020
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Deepest condolences Stan, Wendy, Ron and Luc on the loss of a beautiful, kind, compassionate wife, mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She always welcomed our family and brought laughter to most conversations. I know Bruce loved to walk over to visit when at the cabin. He was always treated special. She will be dearly missed. Hold on to all the special memories! - Posted by: Pat Allum and family (Family friend) on: Apr 25, 2020
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Stan & Wendy, I am so sorry to hear about Josie's passing. I have so many fond memories of you all. Josie was a life long friend to my mom, Sandy. She encouraged mom in her difficult journey with cancer and stayed by her side until the end. I always remember the story of them meeting at Woolworths in Norwood and that is when their friendship began. There was always a lot of laughter whenever Josie came for visits to our little home in St. Boniface. Yesterday we were out at the lake and on the way home I said to Kevin as we passed the Belair turnoff, I wondered if Josie is still around. My mom's sister called me this afternoon to let me know that she saw the obit. I pray you both will be comforted by all the wonderful memories you shared together. I had a rock made for my garden that reminds me of my mom. It says, A mother's love is never ending. She will never leave your heart. Take care of each other and thank you all for the love and kindness you always showed to my mother and I. You were a family filled with love and laughter. - Posted by: Kim Hazeldine Hampton (friend) on: Apr 25, 2020
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Thank goodness for Auntie Josie growing up! Auntie Josie always made things so much fun like playing “oysters for sale” and having pizza waiting for snack at her cottage. I always loved her warmth, humor and kindness- thank you for being so awesome say “Hi” to my mom Aunt, I know she’s so happy to greet you! All our love and sympathy, Diane, Gordon, Lauryn and LIAM - Posted by: Diane Gillis (Niece) on: Apr 25, 2020