Stella Kopanko, was born in Poland on June 19, 1923, to Stanley and Stefka Katchmar. She passed away peacefully September 8, 2016, with family by her side. In 1929, at the age of 6 along with her parents and brother, Joseph, they immigrated to Canada by ship. Arriving with only the clothes on their back, they had to begin and create a new life. They moved around to find the most productive land. First they resided near Vonda, Saskatchewan, then found better land north of Clair, Saskatchewan, that actually had a log house on it. Soon after that Stella was the oldest of eight children. During these years Stella went to Hunters Hill School. In 1939, the family decided to move to be closer to a doctor, drug store, and grocery store, so they ended up west of Rose Valley. Here they would have to break ground and create a new home once again. On August 26, 1939, Stella married Stanley Kopanko, a farmer who also had immigrated from Poland. She joined him living in a small log house on a farm near Rose Valley. For the next two winters Stella would maintain the farm as Stanley had to go away to work to make some money. The first winter, Stella welcomed in her family to live with her in the little log house as they built up a new farm. Also, she had a crew that staying there as they were digging a well. She worked hard to feed and care for everyone, as well as maintain the farm. In 1941 Stanley had made enough money to buy horses and equipment so they farmed for the next 45 years. In time they bought more land, raised cattle, hogs, chickens, and added two children to the farm as well, John (1941) and Sophie (1943). Stella worked hard on the land stooking by moonlight; on the farm completing chores that were necessary morning and evening; in the yard planting flowers and garden, in the kitchen cooking, baking and preserving; and was busy raising two children as well. All of these demands on Stella and that never slowed her down. The house was small without power and water, but that didn't matter, her door was always open to family and friends. It didn't matter how busy she was, anyone that stopped always had a coffee, a shot or two, home made goodies, meals, and maybe some card playing too. Visiting, laughter, and entertainment was her passion. In 1958 they built a slightly bigger house where she lived until she left the farm. Imagine the entertaining she could do now! Family was truly important to Stella, so much that she rarely missed a family event no matter how she had to get there. Stella was also an avid member of the community involved with the Catholic Church, Co-Op Guild, Rose Valley Seniors, and of course anything else she was asked to volunteer for or participate in.In 1985 Stanley passed away. Another hardship, but nothing was ever too great for Stella to overcome. Still at a young age, she began to travel. She went on several bus trips where she met people, saw different parts of the world and enjoyed every minute of it. She was so adored on these trips that she soon became the Hostess of a few of them, which meant planning the entertainment along the way. This of course came easy to Stella, and she was honored to do it. In 2000 she made a trip of a lifetime, she went to Isreal, to the Holy Land. She loved to tell stories of the sights she saw and the activities they did. In the spring of 1995 she welcomed Wesley Kopanko, a relative of Stanley's, from Poland with open arms. Wesley resided with Stella for the next 5 years and worked on the farm. Stella of course loved having him there as she could have someone to cook and care for once again. Stella remained on the farm until 2003. At this time she moved into a Seniors Duplex at Quill Lake, Saskatchewan. During these years, Stella was very involved with her great grand children. She took in all the events she could whether it be school functions, sports, music or dance. She would sit and watch beaming with pride. In 2010 she suffered a fall which took away her mobility causing her last move to the Quill Plains Centennial Lodge in Watson, Saskatchewan where she remained until her passing. Stella was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Joseph, Steve, and Frank; husband, Stanley; brothers-in-law, Nick Wielgosz, and Carl Zychkowski; son-in-law, Martin Korolchuk; and grandson-in-law, Eerin Wickstrom. She leaves to mourn her children, Sophie Korolchuk and John (Louise); grandchildren, Michelle, Bryan (Nancy), Roxane and Janine; great grandchildren, Jamie, Dallas, Riley, Rayanne, Kaiden, Kylan, Kyler, Kiana, and Quinn; sisters, Ann Wielgosz, Minnie (John) Chomyn, and Jean Zychkowski; brother Tony; and special relative, Wesley Kopanko. Prayer Service: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 13, 2016 The Chapel of Narfason's 102 1st street NW Narfason's Funeral Chapel & Crematoiurm Wadena, Saskatchewan Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2016 Christ the King Roman Catholic Church Rose Valley, Saskatchewan