Irene Julia Kopetski passed away peacefully at home on February 7, 2013 at the age of 86. Irene was born near Fulda, Saskatchewan to Frank and Mary Yager, the second of ten children. She was a young child when her family homesteaded in the Loon Lake area. Irene loved school, she completed grade 8 and hoped to become a teacher, however she was not able to continue as higher education was not available.
In November 1945 Irene married Joe Kopetski, they moved to Barthel where Joyce was born. After farming a short time, they packed up and moved to BC. Elmer, David, Judith, and Rosemarie, were born in Kelowna. Irene worked in the orchards and packing house while raising their young family.
In 1952 they moved to Quesnel and eventually settled in Moose Heights, where MaryAnn, Elaine and Janice joined the family. In addition to running the Moose Heights Store, Irene was involved with community and school activities.
In 1970 the move was made to the gravel pit on North Fraser Drive. Now Irene took on the role of secretary, bookkeeper and dispatcher for their growing trucking business until they retired 30 years later.
Irene always loved growing her gardens and flowers. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and baking cookies for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Irene liked to travel and loved visiting with family and friends.
Irene survives in the hearts of her husband of 67 years, Joe Kopetski. Her children- Joyce Standbridge, Elmer Kopetski, David Kopetski, Judith McKenzie, Rosemarie (Stan) McKay, MaryAnn Kopetski, Elaine Kopetski, Janice (Gary) McLean and Irene Kopetski. Her grandchildren - Marvin (Shawna), Melinda (Troy), Katherine (Dustin), Shawn (Geneva), Jennifer, Scott (Kathryn), Chris, Eric, Blair, Adrienne, Jeremy and Matthew. Her great grandchildren - James, Hailey, Jacob, Lucas, Carly, Emily and Daryl. Her siblings - Elmer Yager and Coletta (Dale) Telford. Her in-laws - Berna Yager, Joseph Theisen, Allen Morgenstern, Ann Yager, Lynn Rawling, Mary Morgenstern, Bill (Betty) Kopetski, Jim (Grace) Kopetski, Lena Chore, Frank (Esther) Kopetski, Emma Throssell, Anna Kopetski and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Greeting her in Heaven are her parents, Frank and Mary Yager. Her sons-in-law - Jim McKenzie and Mike Standbridge. Her siblings - Clarence Yager, Annabelle Rawling, Germon Yager, Vincent Yager, Estalene Theisen, Eugene Yager, Evelyn Morgenstern. Her in-laws - Josef and Katherine Kopetski, Alvin Morgenstern, Kay Meise, Cele Kopetski, Ernie Meise, Alex Chore and Roy Throssell.
Our family would like to thank family and friends who were so supportive during this difficult time. Also thank you to We Care staff Debbie, Tina and Dana who took such good care of Mom in her home.