In September 2024 a family gathering was organized to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first Lopinski’s arrival in Canada. The event was held once again at Betty’s Restaurant in Niagara Falls. 72 family members representing four generations gathered to share memories and reconnect.
November 21, 1933 – May 15, 2024
It is with love and sorrow that we announce George’s passing, peacefully and surrounded by family at St Catharines hospital.
Born in Poznan, Poland in 1933, George and his family came to Canada in 1949. He began working in the gold mines in Geraldton as a teen and held several other jobs before his tenure at General Motors on Ontario Street in St Catharines, where he worked until his retirement.
George was blessed with over 60 years of marriage to his loving wife Tillie. Celebrating this milestone last summer was a highlight for the family. George was the proud father of Mike (Kellie), Art, and Tom (Jennifer), and Dziadzia to Matthew, Katherine, Aidan and Samantha. Brother of Henry (Anna) and John (late Fran) and Stella Augerman and predeceased by his sister Wanda (Bernhard) Kordyjaka and brothers Walter (Aniela) and Sam (Helen). He was close to his many nieces, nephews, cousins and second family, the Matys clan.
After marrying in 1963, George and Tillie settled in the north end of St. Catharines and built many lasting friendships in their community. Their Saturday night euchre group was a source of joy and many great stories over the years. George’s incredible green thumb created the most beautiful gardens at their homes, especially on Parnell Rd.
George was an avid golfer with Tillie and her brother Stan, and was a longtime member at Queenston and Sawmill golf clubs.
He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Alfred’s and St Julia’s over the years, and his Catholic faith was an important part of his life. George was also a member of the Knights of Columbus (Fourth Degree), the Polish Businessmen’s Association, and a volunteer with Out of the Cold.
Tillie and family would like to thank the care team at STC Hospital, especially NPs Scott Gibson and Lisa Rotz and the many nurses and care workers that interacted with George over the past several months. Special thanks to Father Stephen Innamorti for spending time with, and giving George spiritual comfort over the past few weeks.
Prayers and a celebration of George’s life was held at Pleasantview Funeral Home, Fonthill ON on Monday May 20th, 2024.
A family gathering to celebrate 70 years of the Lopinski family in Canada was held at Betty’s Restaurant in Niagara Falls on July 21, 2019.
The Lopinski Famly in Canada 