Obituary of Lottie Chopko

Think of me fondly, do not weep or grieve for I am in a place full of Joy and Peace. For in my fading moments of life when many would crumble in despair, My Lord and Savior was there with his Mother. Gently they took my hand and guided me over every crossing and heard my final prayer. "Love every one you meet, treat them with respect and dignity for they are your brother and sister. Have faith and above all trust for you are never alone. Remember the tears you shed should not be for me instead your tears should be shed as one who is homesick, for it is you who live far away from your eternal home, not I. Remember my life has changed, it was not taken away and when your early abode dissolves, an eternal dwelling place awaits." Loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, Lottie Theresa Chopko, 90 went to be with her Lord on Monday, January 29, 2007. Born in Dickson City, Pa. she was the daughter of the late Frank and Scholastica Stasium. She married her high school sweetheart, Michael Chopko and remained his devoted wife for 70 years. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Terry Szyperski and granddaughter, Kimberly Ann Szyperski; her sister, Regina Johnson of Whittier, Ca. and brother, Clarence Stasium of Fruitland, Fl. and a number of nieces and nephews who will miss her great love, hospitality and wisdom. She was preceded in death by her parents; devoted spouse, Michael Chopko; beloved daughter Sally Schwoyer; and four sisters, Helen Mackin, Sophie Stasium, Ann Stasium and Francis Panarello. Lottie worked for her husband Michael as a bookkeeper. Lottie and Michael started Pocono Riding Club at Mount Airy Lodge and Pocono Pool and Fence Company. In 1960, she became a Justice of Peace in Paradise Township. In 1970s, she became the co-founder of the Pocono Pool Company which is now known as Pocono Pool and Spa Company. Lottie always found time to give back to her family, friends, church and community. She was a member of the Pocono Fire Department Women Auxiliary group. She worked at the summer carnival perfecting the 'wimpy' recipe. She worked unceasing to raise monies for development of Monsignor McHugh Catholic School by running church dinners and bingo games. She was a church sacristan, choir member and lector at Mount St. Mary's Catholic Church. She also served as Scranton Deanery President for the National Council of Catholic Women. This little woman of great faith loved and cared for everyone she met. Family and friends members are invited to the viewing from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, at the Bolock Funeral Home, corner of routes 940 and 390 in Paradise Valley. A celebration of her life will take place at 10:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial by the Rev. Fr. Joseph Kopacz at St. Mary's of the Mount Catholic Church in Mount Pocono. Interment will follow in Laurelwood Cemetery, Stroudsburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's of the Mount Church Community Development Center Fund, Fairview Avenue, Mount Pocono, Pa. 18344.