Obituary for Eileen Mary Lopker
Eileen M. Lopker, 96, of Santa Ana, died October 19, 2021 after suffering a stroke.
She was born in Owosso, MI, May 30,1925 to Robert and May (Mahony) O’Connor. Eileen graduated from St. Paul’s High School in 1942 as Salutatorian. She received her nursing degree from St. Lawrence Hospital Nursing program in 1945. She married Thomas E. Lopker June 16, 1948. Tom and Eileen welcomed Susan in 1951, and moved to Orange County, CA, in 1952. They welcomed Geri, Patrick, John and Brian after settling in Anaheim.
Eileen was the matriarch of our large extended family. Her Catholic faith was a lifelong comfort and strength for Eileen. Her love for her family was the center point of her life. She lived and modeled the virtues of honesty, hard work, loyalty and graciousness. She introduced all of us to “cottage cheese and BBQ chips” as a snack or meal; this tradition carries on today in her extended family. She played Bridge, Quiddler, Skip-BO, UNO, Words With Friends, Knock-Knock and more, staying mentally sharp until the end. Eileen loved to travel and enjoyed visiting many places in the world and the USA. Eileen was a life-long Dodger fan, attending many games with her sister and niece.
Eileen worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Jude Hospital for almost 30 years, many of those years on the night shift of the oncology ward. After retirement, she volunteered at Mary’s Shelter for unwed mothers and delivered meals for Meal on Wheels.
Eileen is predeceased by her husband Tom (1990) and her brother Robert (2000). She is survived by her sisters Patricia Goubert and Maureen Bates (John), her four surviving children Susan Reitsma, Geri (Joanne), Patrick (Sally) and John (Hae Jeong) Lopker. Brian predeceased Eileen in March 2021, breaking her heart. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral Viewing will be held November 3rd at Saddleback Chapel's Rose Room, 220 East Main Street, Tustin, CA 92780, services will be held November 4th at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, 9621 Bixby Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92841. Viewing: 9:30 AM, Rosary 10:30 AM, Burial Mass 11 AM. She will be interred at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.
She was born in Owosso, MI, May 30,1925 to Robert and May (Mahony) O’Connor. Eileen graduated from St. Paul’s High School in 1942 as Salutatorian. She received her nursing degree from St. Lawrence Hospital Nursing program in 1945. She married Thomas E. Lopker June 16, 1948. Tom and Eileen welcomed Susan in 1951, and moved to Orange County, CA, in 1952. They welcomed Geri, Patrick, John and Brian after settling in Anaheim.
Eileen was the matriarch of our large extended family. Her Catholic faith was a lifelong comfort and strength for Eileen. Her love for her family was the center point of her life. She lived and modeled the virtues of honesty, hard work, loyalty and graciousness. She introduced all of us to “cottage cheese and BBQ chips” as a snack or meal; this tradition carries on today in her extended family. She played Bridge, Quiddler, Skip-BO, UNO, Words With Friends, Knock-Knock and more, staying mentally sharp until the end. Eileen loved to travel and enjoyed visiting many places in the world and the USA. Eileen was a life-long Dodger fan, attending many games with her sister and niece.
Eileen worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Jude Hospital for almost 30 years, many of those years on the night shift of the oncology ward. After retirement, she volunteered at Mary’s Shelter for unwed mothers and delivered meals for Meal on Wheels.
Eileen is predeceased by her husband Tom (1990) and her brother Robert (2000). She is survived by her sisters Patricia Goubert and Maureen Bates (John), her four surviving children Susan Reitsma, Geri (Joanne), Patrick (Sally) and John (Hae Jeong) Lopker. Brian predeceased Eileen in March 2021, breaking her heart. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral Viewing will be held November 3rd at Saddleback Chapel's Rose Room, 220 East Main Street, Tustin, CA 92780, services will be held November 4th at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, 9621 Bixby Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92841. Viewing: 9:30 AM, Rosary 10:30 AM, Burial Mass 11 AM. She will be interred at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.