Evelyn Tolpa Lisek, born in Gary, reached a milestone of 100 years on March 11. Surrounded by friends and family, her spirit was vibrant at the WANISS May Wine Charity Luncheon at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. Evelyn peacefully passed away in Hobart on June 15.
As the longest-serving and actively involved member of WANISS, Evelyn played a significant role in the organization. Initially founded as the Women’s Association in Gary in 1962, it was rebranded in 1975 as the Women’s Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society, under Evelyn’s influence. This group is affiliated with the Volunteer Council of the League of American Orchestras. At the latest WANISS May Wine Brunch, Evelyn reflected her long association with the event by wearing a favored wide-brimmed spring hat.
An accomplished opera singer, Evelyn graced stages nationwide. She was also present at the Northwest Indiana Orchestra’s inaugural concert on December 7, 1941, coinciding with the Pearl Harbor attack. “Evelyn attended our WANISS Annual meeting recently and was in high spirits,” remarked WANISS President Tresa Redermacher. “Her absence will be deeply felt.”
Born to Walter and Julia Tolpa, Evelyn graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1944. She pursued music studies at MacMurray College under Ann Garrels and married Henry Lisek in 1949. Discovering her vocal talent at St. Hedwig Grade School, Evelyn honed her skills at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, performing a variety of musical styles from Broadway to light opera in multiple languages, a talent that took her worldwide.
During the 1970s and 80s, Evelyn inspired countless students with her Bicentennial and patriotic musical programs, merging history and music. “Evelyn was the most enthusiastic music lover since our orchestra’s first concert at Pearl Harbor Day. Her legacy endures,” noted Maestro Kirk Muspratt of the Northwest Indiana Symphony.
Celebrating her Polish roots, Evelyn was part of the Chopin Chorus and Millennium Choir. Each October, she performed the Polish and American anthems at the Polish American Heritage Month in Calumet City. She also sang in the Papal choir for Pope John Paul II in Chicago in 1979.
A leader in Polish communities, Evelyn served as vice president in the Polish American Congress and engaged with organizations like the Polish National Alliance. She spent 20 years as a cantor at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Gary and directed the “Sounds of Knights” choral group.
In 2002, Evelyn appeared as an extra in the film “Road to Perdition,” sharing a scene with Paul Newman and Tom Hanks. Evelyn’s life is celebrated by her children, Carolyn, Walter, Darlene (Mark) Schmitt, Kathryn, and her extended family.
Visitation will be held on June 21 at Geisen-Pruzin Funeral and Cremation Services in Merrillville. A Mass of Christian Burial follows on June 22 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Hobart, with interment at Calvary Cemetery in Portage.
Through her talents and dedication, Evelyn Tolpa Lisek’s influence will be fondly remembered and cherished.