Claire E. Kopka Obituary (1928 - 2018)

Claire E. Kopka, 89, of Bloomington, died Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Heritage Health, Normal. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 30, 2018 at Holy Trinity Church, Bloomington. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Bloomington. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service Monday at the church. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Church or to Masses. She was born December 4, 1928 in Bloomington, a daughter of William and Gladys Watchinski. She married John Kopka on November 12, 1949 at St. Patrick's Church in Bloomington. They have been married for 68 years. Surviving are her husband, John of Bloomington; a son, David (Leah) Kopka of Normal; a daughter, Karen Kopka of Wilmette; two grandchildren, Megan (Corey) Northcutt of Chicago and Ryan Kopka of Normal; and a great-granddaughter, Ivy Northcutt. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, William. Mrs. Kopka worked at the Illinois Power Company in Bloomington for 3 years before retiring in 1953 to raise her children. Before becoming handicapped, she was a ready volunteer at various schools and church functions. She always wanted to help those in need and will be missed. She originally was a member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Bloomington and is now a member of Holy Trinity Church in Bloomington. She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandparent. She was an artist and won awards for her artwork and was able to sell various paintings. Claire was a very caring person and will be missed by friends and family.