Obituary for Tina (Duchesneau) Popeleski
Tina (Duchesneau) Popeleski, age 52, passed away November 21, 2008 in her home in Mansfield Center, CT after a long six year struggle with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. She was born December 1, 1955, the daughter of Gerard and Violet (Tatro) Duchesneau. She was predeceased by her husband of 29 years, Stanley Popeleski, II. She leaves three children: Stanley Popeleski, III of Hartford, CT, Timothy Popeleski of Middletown, CT and Christina Popeleski of Mansfield Center, CT. She also leaves her brother, Jerome Duchesneau and his wife, Earleen of Andover, CT and various nieces and nephews residing in the States of Connecticut and Florida. Tina is a lifelong resident of Willimantic and Mansfield Center, CT. She was a lover of animals and always cared for stray and wild animals in need. Often a wild fox, deer, geese or other species could be seen at her door waiting to be fed. She organized many of the Blessings of the Pets ceremonies in her parish. She was a graduate of E.O. Smith High School and attended E.C.S.U. and UCONN, attending specialized courses in child-care and development. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary Parish in Willimantic, CT, a member of St. Mary’s Folk Group, the Parish Council and very active in her parish and community. She graduated from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT after successfully completing specialized courses in Religious Education. She subsequently was appointed Director of Religious Education for St. Mary Roman Catholic Parish in Willimantic on March 14, 1994. She has remained the DRE at St. Mary Parish for the past 15 years. She personally conducted and taught a very successful young adult course for preparation for Confirmation in St. Mary Parish the entire duration of her employment as DRE. Her activities in DRE involved her in many local projects of great value to our community: in 2003, she organized a very successful parish group (St. Mary’s Footprints) which has effectively participated in the yearly Relay for Life Cancer fund-raising program. She has furnished student help to the WAIM Walk for Warmth every year. Her students have participated in serving meals at the local Soup Kitchen and have volunteered service hours at the local WAIM main office. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 11/26/08, at 11 a.m. in St. Mary Church on Valley St. in Willimantic. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Windham. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Bacon Funeral Home, 71 Prospect St. Willimantic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary Church Repair Fund, 80 Maple Ave. Willimantic, CT 06226. Please visit www.baconfh.com to register your condolences online.
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