Apolonja Popek, resident of Burnaby, BC and Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Eaglesham, AB, passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at Buchanan Lodge in New Westminster, BC at the age of 104 years.

Apolonja was born in Luchow Dolny, Poland on December 1, 1913. The youngest of 8 Piebiak children. At the young age of 22, she made a life changing journey: leaving Poland on Boxing Day in 1935 and arriving in Eaglesham in early 1936.

She married Albert Popek in February of that year and together they farmed and raised a family of four children.

Apolonja and Albert were active in the Polish community, church, and farmed for over 53 years. In 1989, they moved from Eaglesham to Grande Prairie while continuing to be involved with the farms. In 2010, Apolonja moved to Burnaby, BC to reside with her daughter, then spent her last 3 years at Buchanan Lodge in New Westminster.

She will be sadly missed by her daughter Stephanie (Bill) Nielsen; sons Edmund and Ron (Audrey); grandchildren: Kari Nielsen, Ron Nielsen, Tricia (Michael) Lenz, Michael (Nicole) Popek, Melanie (Brian) Lukevich, Shelley (Jayson) Watson, Christopher Popek, Adam (Lisa) Popek, Lisa (Craig) Bergmann, and Leanne Popek; 10 great-grandsons and 3 great-granddaughters; daughter in-law Margaret (Bill) Watchorn; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, 5 brothers, 2 sisters, husband Albert, sons Eugene and Henry, and son in-law Bill.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 11, 2018, at 11:00am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grande Prairie (10404 102 St.).

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.