Evangeline (Jean) (Biegal) Stupak

Jean Stupak 1926 - 2020

It was the end of November 1926 on a little village called Kortishow, Poland (now Ukraine) that John and Polly Biegal welcomed Eugenja into their home.  Eugenja lived in Poland until 1932 when she, her mother and sister migrated to Canada.  Following disembarking the Duchess of Bedford in Quebec City, they travelled to Kapuskasing, Ontario where Mom’s dad was.  After several years in Kapuskasing, Mom her mother, sister and baby brother moved to the Swan River Valley, where she resided until her passing on February 26, 2020.

In 1951, she married Adam Stupak.  Their marriage was not characterized by defined roles rather they worked together as a team.  In addition to helping on the farm, Mom worked outside the home.  She worked for Paul’s Hardware for twenty-five years, Dr. Doyle ten years and Swan Valley Hospital for thirteen years.  For a significant time in retirement she provided elder care for her father until his passing.  Along with a group of ladies, Mom also participated in a nail care and manicure volunteer program for residents at the Personal Care Home and Lodge.  Declining health rendered Mom housebound for the last several years.

Death is a time of remembrance.  It was the same every Monday throughout the school year.  I would arrive home to the aroma of waxed floors and baked bread.  Mom always encouraged me to pursue education.  She often said, “my observation is that those with an education always fared better even in hard economic times”.  She loved her grandchildren and was always ecstatic to have them visit for three to four weeks every summer for many years.  Then there were the great grandchildren.  There were pictures in her wallet which she shared with many.  Proud great grandmother!  In fact, she would say, “I have their pictures up where I can see them from the table every time I sit down to eat.”

Mom faithfully attended church as long as her health permitted her to do so.  In the last several years of attendance her hearing was so bad that she never heard the sermon, but she believed it was important to be there.  Not only did Mom claim to have a faith but she lived it out.  In my formative years I never heard a disparaging word from Mom, even during challenging times.  Her love for her Saviour was evident to the end.  Some of the last words she spoke were “take me home Jesus!”.

Jean will be missed and remembered by Adam, her husband of sixty-eight years; her son Ken and wife Judy, who was treated like a daughter; her grandchildren Andrea (Paul), Ryan; two great grandchildren, Parker and Landon; nieces, nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Polly; a sister, Eva; and two brothers, William and Peter.

An evening viewing was held Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Swan Valley Funeral Services, Swan River. The funeral service was held from the Chapel on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Reg Rivett officiating. Interment followed in the Birchwood Cemetery, Swan River, Manitoba.

If friends so desire, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Swan Valley Funeral Services Ltd.

363 Kelsey Trail   Swan River, MB

204-734-5775  www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

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