BERNICE ZOPPA

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BERNICE ZOPPA

(nee ZIEMSKI)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Bernice Zoppa, at River East Personal Care Home on September 22, 2023, with Donna at her side.
Her memory will be cherished by her daughter Donna Humiski and son-in-law Gary Humiski. She is also survived by her sister Emilie Brodowich; her nephew Rick Martin and niece Lynn Payne along with her husband Jim Payne and their dear daughter, Jamie Payne.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Jenny Ziemski and her dear husband Steve in 1981. She was also predeceased by her brother Ted Ziemski; her sister Helen Martin; great-niece April Martin, beloved daughter of Rick Martin, and her brothers-in-law, Ray Brodowich and Victor Martin.
Mom was born in 1925 to John and Jenny Ziemski. Grandmother was widowed at the age of 32 and worked very hard to provide. She raised her four children in the Catholic Church. Bernice was a very strong, ambitious and talented woman. She worked constantly during her life in various jobs, starting in a cookie factory and as a cashier with a local movie theatre. There were many fun times and lasting friendships made at the theatre. She retired at age 66 in management with the Federal Government.
She loved sewing, crafts and tending to her flowers, shrubs, and trees for hours on end. She also loved our four golden retrievers and four cats which greatly entertained her. She enjoyed her coffee dates with Gary where they swapped stories. She volunteered with Concordia Hospital and CancerCare and with a nursery employing people with disabilities.
Bernice married Steve Zoppa, the love of her life in 1944. Their dates included dancing to the big bands of that era and our home was always filled with music. Mom and Dad were very close to their friends, Ollie and Henry Weizel. They became like family with owning property together at Gull Lake, being founding members of Wesley United Church, and living on the same street of Roberta Avenue.
She now joins Dad, Ollie and Henry as “neighbours” again at Glen Eden. To this day, Donna and Joy Weizel call each other sisters.
Mom suffered from vascular dementia after a stroke in October of 2018 and had a very difficult five years of various illnesses. It was then by the grace of God, that Donna and Bernice became the closest of all. We walked with her constantly through her final years. She became very loving and very humorous and we had much laughter and fun. She bravely handled all that came her way and she had our greatest love and respect.
We would like to thank Donna’s and Gary’s many brothers and sisters in Christ who prayed for our family and supported us so well in mom’s final days. Also thank you to the wonderful, caring and patient staff at River East. They tell us Bernice attended all church services, regardless of denomination. Thank you as well for all the support from Riverwood Church.
In accordance with Bernice’s wishes, a private ceremony will be held.
If friends so desire, we would appreciate a donation to Youth for Christ in Bernice’s memory.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Glen Eden Funeral Home
204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 30, 2023