Teresa S. Stopyra Obituary (2018)

LOVING MOTHER & BABCIA Teresa S. (Wozniak) Stopyra, 66, a longtime resident of Lowell, died peacefully Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua; surrounded by her loving family who was constantly telling stories of laughter and love. She was the beloved wife of the late Emil R. Stopyra who predeceased her on September 2, 2006. They shared 35 years of marriage. Teresa was born on April 7, 1951 in Orneta, Poland. She was the daughter of the late Bronislaw and Jadwiga (Rebowska) Wozniak. She received her education and graduated high school in Poland and immigrated here, to the United States when she was 18, in 1969. It was then she met the love of her life, Emil, and married on December 8, 1970. They raised two children and lived in Lowell. In her early years, Teresa was employed by Lowell Shoe and Paris Shoe, in the assembly department. Later she was employed by the Lowell Sun as a paper delivery person, delivering papers to her neighborhood of First and Second Street on Christian Hill in Lowell. She was also employed by Millers Surplus in Downtown Lowell, which she affectionally referred to as my store, until her retirement. Following her retirement, Teresa fell into the role of Babcia to her three grandchildren, who she adored. In her free time, she loved to cook. Teresa always had a meal ready for whoever was to stop by at any point during the day. Her family will miss her delicious golombki, her homemade soups, and other traditional Polish foods that she made regularly. She also loved to stay busy, always cleaning and making sure her home was well taken care of for her family. Above all, Teresa cherished time spent with her family, especially during holidays and celebrations. She will forever be remembered by her sassy personality and always had the last word, no matter what. Teresa is survived and will be deeply missed by her two children, Julie A. Malatesta and her husband Charles Kaziu of Nashua, NH and Richard E. Stopyra and his fianc Devon Landry of Amherst, NH; her three grandchildren, Kallandra Kapala and her boyfriend Thomas Kelly, Raymond Kapala and his fianc Julia Hadley and Julian Stopyra; and her future grandchild, Tucker Faneuf. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Janina Stopyra of Lowell; her brother-in-law, Andrew Stopyra and his wife Karen of Lowell; and her sister-in-law, Doreen Stopyra of Dracut; her sister Barbara Sasin and her husband Macek of Poland; as well as many nieces, nephews, dear friends and extended family. Teresas family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center for their compassion and care throughout Teresas stay with them. Especially Chelsea and Sarah on the fourth floor and Cindy, Erin, and Dr. Levine in the ICU. Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on THURSDAY, March 1st from 3 PM until 7 PM at BLAKE-CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD, MA. Her Funeral Mass will be held on FRIDAY, March 2nd at 11 AM in Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity, 340 High Street, Lowell, MA. Interment to follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Boston Road, Lowell. Donations may be made in Teresas name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 or to the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center at Brigham and Womens Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02215. First Visitation March 1, 2018 3:00pm - 7:00pm, Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Service Information March 2, 2018 11:00am, Holy Trinity Parish 340 High Street Lowell, MA 01852 Interment Location March 2, 2018, Holy Trinity Cemetery Boston Road Lowell, MA 01852