Sally Joan Kopp

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Sally Joan Kopp after a brief illness, at 81 years old. She had a life full of laughter, joy, and cherished moments family and friends. In her final moments, she was surrounded by her beloved children, Kimberly and Kevin Kopp, ensuring she left this world in the comforting presence of those dearest to her.

 

Sally was the eldest child born to Carolyn Gulka, in Preeceville, SK. She grew up on the family farm playing with a seemingly infinite number of cousins, and her younger siblings, Wayne, Judy and Joey. She always dreamed of the big city and after saving up money from a job at a local diner, she moved to Edmonton as a young teenager.

 

She met and married her husband, Harold Kopp in 1962, and they remained devoted to each other through their nearly 40 year marriage. They brought her mother and siblings over from Saskatchewan and in 1963 they started their own small family with the birth of Kim, and Kevin in 1964. A few years later they bought their own home on what was then the outskirts of Northeast Edmonton. As the city grew around it so did the family. That house will forever be remembered as the centre of family gatherings, hosting birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmases. Any excuse for a celebration brought the family together, laughing around a dining table that overflowed with people even when all the extensions were used. We played endless cards games, a rousing game of Thirty One was a family favourite, with each grandchild joining in as soon as we could hold cards, and generously collecting handfuls of quarters from the winner. 

 

Sally and Harold both came from large and close knit families that remained important to them throughout their lives. Sally would spend hours on the phone with various relatives, sharing news and stories in their own mix of Ukrainian and English. Besides the constant phone calls there were trips back home to Saskatchewan, all across Canada and into the United States. She grew as close with Harold’s relatives as with her own, and everyone enjoyed the chaos and love of such a big family. Harold’s boisterous clan stayed close with Sally after his passing, brothers and sisters in law always on the phone and dedicated cousins like Kevin Gagne helping her in her golden years.

 

Sally stayed true to her country roots, always maintaining a beautiful garden, filling her summers with camping and fishing trips year round. Of course they had their favourite spots; Wabamun, Pigeon, Lac Ste. Anne and Slave Lake, but they were always exploring the outdoors with fishing rods ready. After Harold passed Sally still enjoyed reeling in a big one and continued the ice fishing tradition with her son Kevin, grandson Kyle or cousin, Dwayne Gagne.

 

Sally had many jobs through her life, always willing to pitch in when needed, something that helped her remain independent long into her senior years. Some of her most memorable jobs were with the Alberta Liquor Board, Shaw Cable, and her final job as a store clerk Dollarama. At any of these locations she was a dedicated and valued employee and friend. Sally was a great storyteller and would regale us with anecdotes of co-workers and customers – who knows what she told them!

 

Sally was predeceased by her devoted husband, Harold; infant daughter, Tammy; grandson, Garret Andrews; Mother, Carolyn Gulka; brother, Wayne (Sandy) Kwasney; brothers-in-law, Wayne (Audrey), Dennis, and Ken (May) Kopp; sister-in-law, Betty (Werner) Fink.  Sally is survived by her son, Kevin (Diane) Kopp; her daughter, Kimberly Kopp; her brother Joe Okrainetz; sister, Judy Tallas; grandchildren: Kyle and Kristina Kopp, and Jessyca Mckee (Fabian Warkalla); great-grandchildren, Bastian, and Astrid Warkalla; brothers-in-law: Wes, Hugh (Paulette) and Randy (Catie) Kopp; sisters-in-law, Muriel Stanley Venne, and Shirley (Doug) Striker; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

 

At Sally’s request there is no service, however a private, family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Sally will be inurned at Evergreen Memorial Gardens with her husband Harold and Mother Carolyn.

 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Covenant Foundation, who provided a quiet, caring home for her final days.

 

She was such a big part of our lives, and we will cherish her memory as we build our own family moments. We invite everyone to share a special memory of Sally, and we deeply appreciate any stories you can share.