Ellena “Ella” Sopko passed peacefully from this life at the Rocky Mountain Village on the afternoon of Thursday, August 8th after a gradual decline in health. With loved ones at her bedside, Ella was embraced by her family and supported by her caregivers during the last days of her life.
One of four girls, Ella was born in Fernie on November 2, 1926 to parents Salvatore “Sam” and Santina “Sunta” (nee Megale) Marasco. On April 11, 1953, Ella married her sweetheart, Frank Sopko, and would spend the next 60 years devoting her life completely and unconditionally to her large, beloved family. The Matriarch of the Sopko family, Ella’s home was always a warm and welcoming haven for family members and friends alike. Sunday dinners were an anticipated family tradition which eventually grew to include precious grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Proud of her ancestry, Ella’s family roots go back to the late 1800’s when the Megale family became one of the first pioneers to settle in the area. With her mother, Sunta Megale born in Fernie, it meant that her own grandchildren were 5th generation Ferniettes, a fact that Ella was extremely proud of.
Ella has left her family with a treasure-trove of everlasting memories. Her legacy will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.
Ella is survived by four children and their spouses: Frank (Sherry) Sopko, Cathy (Hank) Fairclough, Corinne (Bill) Thomas, and Francine (Frank) Kubos; 8 grandchildren: Courtnay and Brittnay Sopko, Blake and Derek Fairclough, Loralee and Kevin (Ashlee) Thomas, and Erin (Brent) Kivitt and Amber (Rob) Smith; 3 great grandchildren: Sam and Jackson Thomas and Ben Kivitt as well as her eldest sister, Vicky (Ed) Will and numerous nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Frank, her grandson Bradley Fairclough and sisters Raffie Sowchuk and Terry Richardson.
The Funeral Service was held at Cherished Memories “Serenity Chapel” on Tuesday, August 13th. Following the service Ella was laid to rest at St. Margaret’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Rocky Mountain Village, Recreation Dept., 55 Cokato Rd. Fernie, BC V0B 1M4. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.