Eileen M. (Jacobs) Kopec

Eileen M. Kopec, 97, of Mansfield Center, wife of the late Stanley Kopec, passed away on January 7, 2022, at Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was born in Holyoke, MA on February 19, 1924, the daughter of the late Harold and Grace (Louiselle) Jacobs.

It was at a Military dance where Eileen met her husband Stanley, and they were married for 56 years. They resided in Willimantic and later built their forever home in Mansfield Center

Eileen was employed with Electro-Motive in Willimantic and retired from the University of Connecticut in Storrs.  She enjoyed many activities including cooking, sewing, crafting, card games and being a wonder host for the many pool parties at their home. She was an amazing seamstress and made many of her own clothes.  Eileen enjoyed both winter and summer sports, for she was an avid skier, championship golfer and loved to ice skate. She was            also a big fan of UConn's Women Basketball and the Olympics.

Eileen was very involved in social activities and loved to travel. In her later years, she was very active at the Mansfield Sen ior Center      where you could find her playing bridge and mahjong with her life-long friends.  Eileen was a devoted caregiver to many of her loved ones, during  their lives. She always welcomed numerous pets into her home when friends could no longer care for them. She had a huge compassion for animals of all kinds.  Eileen had an amazing ability to recover from serious health concerns. She endured a childhood scare with polio, two bouts with cancer and four orthopedic surgeries. Eileen struggled in the  end with dementia.

Eileen is survived by her granddaughters, Eileen L. Kopec of Noank,  CT, Janice Kopec of Storrs, CT and Mary Kopec-Cerello of Jacksonville FL; Eileen is also survived by her niece Deb Kopec ­Spencer of Grand Rapids MI.  She was predeceased by her son William Kopec.

Eileen was a wonderful wife and mother and was an amazing grandmother and friend. Besides being a "Class Act" she will always be remembered for her giving nature and her witty sense  of humor.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The family would also like to extend their heart-felt appreciation to the Mansfield Fire Department, Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, all of Eileen's wonderful neighbors (Tim­ especially) who checked in on her throughout the years and Potter Funeral Home (especially Chris) for helping us through this difficult time.

Eileen's journey, "c'est la vie" is what Eileen would say. "It's life"

Due to COVID concerns, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Friends of the Mansfield Animal Shelter, FOMAS, P.O. Box 95, Mansfield Center, CT. 06250, the Mansfield Senior Center, 303 Maple Road, Storrs, CT, or the Mansfield Fire Department, Att n: Fire Chief,  4 South Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT. 06268. 

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