Emily J. (Tamburini) Kopec

Emily J. Kopec, 92, known as “Nana” by her beloved family, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday morning, April 3, 2024, surrounded by her loving children.

Emily was born on June 12, 1931 in South Bend, Indiana, to John and Emilia (Stalteri) Tamburini and lived a fulfilled life, enjoying her family, friends and supporting her community. As a strong woman of faith, she was a loyal and dedicated member of St. Matthew Cathedral, attending mass weekly, volunteering at the grade school and continuously praying for others. Emily worked for more than 40 years with the sisters of the St. Francis Convent, while also raising her five children. She remained dear friends with her Our Lady of Hungary schoolmates and would regularly meet for breakfast. Emily was happiest when she was surrounded by her family. Whether she was celebrating a holiday, making a meal to enjoy, attending an event for her grandchildren, or talking on the telephone to her sister, Emily loved her family. 

On August 25, 1956 she married the love of her life, Arthur Kopec Sr. and together they had five wonderful children, until he passed away on May 14, 1988. She is also preceded in death by a sister Anna Holobyn.  Emily’s legacy continues through her children: daughters Jane (Steven) Bentkowski and Emilia (Jim) Shaffer, and sons Michael (Chris) Kopec, John Kopec, and Arthur (Deanie) Kopec Jr., 10 grandchildren Andrew (Lydia) Kopec, Matthew (Joe Becherer) Kopec, Steven (Shannon) Bentkowski, Patrick (Jessica Watreas) Bentkowski, Madison Kopec, Emma Kopec, Courtney (Josh) Lovold, Kaley Shaffer, Aubrey (Mike) Danielson, and Alyssa (Josh) Self, 10 great-grandchildren Hannah Kopec, Zoey Kopec, Steven Bentkowski III, Sloane Bentkowski, Sutton Bentkowski, Genevieve Lovold, Marin Danielson, Wynn Danielson, Hudson Self, and Harrison Self, and a sister Rosemarie Bilancio, along with loving nieces and nephews.

Emily’s family would like to extend thanks to all of her caregivers, especially those at Heartland Hospice and Carol’s Care (Carol & Sandy).

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 10am to 12pm in St. Matthew Cathedral, where a rosary will be recited at 11:30am.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00pm.  Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Matthew Cathedral.  To leave an online condolence, visit our website http://www.zahoran.com or our Facebook page Zahoran Funeral Home.

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