Justine P. (Polivka) Kopunek

Justine Polivka Kopunek, 89 of Hauto Valley Estates in Nesquehoning PA, sadly left us on July 15th 2022. Justine was the daughter of John L. and Anna (Kuba) Polivka and she was predeceased by her husband Stephen and her son Thomas. Coming from a large family, Justine was also predeceased by her siblings: Adam Polivka, Mary Coffin, Michael Polivka, John Polivka, Helen Haughton, Anna Butrie, Elizabeth Heffelfinger, Irene Boyce and Nicholas Polivka and all of their respective spouses with the exception of Grace Polivka, wife of Nicholas.

Grammy, as she was known to all of us, is survived by her son Stephen and his wife Pearl Kopunek, her daughter-in law Victoria Kopunek and her son Mark and his wife Lisa Kopunek, her granddaughter Katryna Stegmeier, with husband Steve and two great grandchildren, Stephen and Mallory, her granddaughter Stephanie Kopunek, her grandson Ruslan Kopunek with wife Kristen, her grandson Philip with wife Theoni and great grandchild Kostas and far too many nieces and nephews to mention who all knew her as Aunt Tina.

Justine graduated from Mauch Chunk Township High School in Nesquehoning in 1951 and then from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Nursing. Her career path migrated over to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare from which she retired after 29 years of service.  

Justine was active in several social networks in the area including the Lansford Democratic Club, the Nesquehoning Historical Society and the Lake Hauto Book Club to name a few and with everything she did, she brought along her zest for life and a bright smile to share with the countless friends she cultivated over the years. Some of these friends have been with her for her entire life from as far back as age 2 and are still with us today.  

With all of the family and extended family, along with all of amazing people and lifelong friendships that Justine developed, she prided herself most as the Matriarch of the Kopunek family, continually emphasizing the importance of strong family values and spending every holiday together as a group. With her diligence, hopefully this trait will live on for a very long time.

Justine spent the last couple of years in the exceptional care of St. Luke’s Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Coaldale Pa.

Grammy, Mom, Aunt Tina or Justine, however we all knew you, your love of family, zest for life, heartfelt compassion and support will be truly missed, but will live on in all of our hearts for eternity.

 Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 23rd at 1:00 p.m. from the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 West Center St., Nesquehoning PA  18240, with the Rev. Msgr. Thomas Orsulak officiating.  Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Nesquehoning.  Calling hours will held on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.  Contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.nalesnikfh.com.  Services and arrangements have been placed in the care of the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, Nesquehoning.

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