Evelyn Lisek’s Centenarian Celebration and Legacy Remembered

Evelyn Tolpa Lisek of Gary marked her 100th birthday on March 11 with loved ones by her side. She attended last month’s annual WANISS May Wine Charity Luncheon at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, maintaining her cheerful disposition.

Evelyn was the longest-standing and active member of WANISS, originally launched as the Women’s Association in Gary in 1962. She died peacefully in Hobart, her latest residence, on June 15. In 1975, Evelyn and other members opted to rename the organization the Women’s Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society (WANISS), connecting with the League of American Orchestras.

At the recent WANISS 54th Annual May Wine Brunch, Evelyn, wearing her favorite wide-brimmed hat, fondly recalled attending the group’s spring luncheons for over half a century. A trained opera singer, she graced stages across the U.S. As a young woman, she attended the Northwest Indiana Orchestra’s inaugural concert on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1941.

Evelyn was a cherished presence at our WANISS Annual meeting on June 11, enjoying herself with family and members,
said WANISS President Tresa Redermacher. She will be greatly missed.

Evelyn was born in Gary to Walter and Julia Tolpa, graduating from Lew Wallace High School in 1944. She studied music at MacMurray College under Ann Garrels. In 1949, she married Henry Lisek, who passed in 2000. Evelyn’s teachers first recognized her singing aptitude at St. Hedwig Grade School. This talent led her to opera studies at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, where she performed music from Broadway to light opera, even in multiple languages.

She shared American history through music with school children during the 1970s and 1980s, combining historical lessons with performances. Northwest Indiana Symphony Maestro Kirk Muspratt remembered her as the orchestra’s staunch supporter.

Evelyn attended our first concert and was a continued supporter ever since. She will always be remembered as a cherished member of our community,
Maestro Muspratt said.

Evelyn proudly celebrated her Polish roots, participating in both the Chopin Chorus and Millennium Choir. She performed both Polish and American anthems at the Polish American Heritage Month celebrations. In 1979, she sang for Pope John Paul II’s visit to Chicago.

Her achievements included serving as vice president of the Polish American Congress, Indiana Division, and the Polish National Alliance, Madame Curie Circle. Evelyn also held leadership roles in the Polish Women’s Alliance. As a cantor at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, she organized and led the ‘Sounds of Knights’ choral group.

She was photographed in the society section of The Gary Post-Tribune in 1975, promoting her soloist role at a Christmas concert. In 2002, Evelyn appeared in the film ‘Road to Perdition’ alongside Paul Newman and Tom Hanks.

Evelyn is survived by children Carolyn, Walter, Darlene (Mark) Schmitt, Kathryn, and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. Visitation is set for 1 to 6 p.m. on June 21 at Geisen-Pruzin Funeral and Cremation Services in Merrillville. Additional visitation is from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on June 22 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Hobart, followed by a Christian Burial Mass. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Portage.

In 1982, Evelyn participated in a WGN-Channel 9 telethon for Polish Relief, alongside Bobby Vinton, who now resides in Florida. Columnist Philip Potempa, author and radio host, reflects on Evelyn’s multifaceted life and shares one of Bobby Vinton’s cherished breakfast recipes.

Bobby Vinton’s Special Eggs Breakfast Recipe

• Servings: 6 to 8
• Ingredients include baking potatoes, bacon, peppers, onions, eggs, and cheese.
• Directions involve preparing and mixing the ingredients, then serving immediately with optional sour cream and salsa.

Philip Potempa can be reached at [email protected] or through mail at PO Box 68, San Pierre, Ind. 46374.