Evelyn Tolpa Lisek reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating her 100th birthday on March 11 surrounded by family and friends. The occasion offered a chance to reflect on her enduring influence and dedication.
Evelyn’s life was intertwined with music and community. As the longest-tenured member of the Women’s Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society (WANISS), she played a pivotal role since its inception in 1962, originally as the Women’s Association in Gary. Evelyn passed away on June 15 in Hobart, where she had lived recently.
In 1975, Evelyn was instrumental in renaming the organization to better represent its affiliation with the Volunteer Council of the League of American Orchestras. Her involvement extended to over five decades, including attendance at the WANISS 54th Annual May Wine Brunch, where she shared fond memories of her first participation.
Her background in opera enriched audiences nationwide. As a witness to history, she attended the Northwest Indiana Orchestra’s inaugural concert on December 7, 1941, coinciding with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Her presence at countless concerts exemplified her commitment to the arts.
Trained in various musical styles and languages, Evelyn used her talents both locally and internationally. During the 1970s and 1980s, she captivated school children with educational performances that combined music and history.
Maestro Kirk Muspratt of the Northwest Indiana Symphony emphasized her unwavering support for music throughout her life. Her Polish roots remained a source of pride, as shown by her roles in the Chopin Chorus and Millennium Choir, among others. Notably, in 1979, she performed with the Papal choir during Pope John Paul II’s visit to Chicago.
Her leadership in cultural organizations included serving as vice president of the Polish American Congress, Indiana Division, and leading roles within the Polish Women’s Alliance. Evelyn also organized the ‘Sounds of Knights’ choral group for the Knights of Columbus.
She was featured in the Gary Post-Tribune in 1975, marking her prominence in local cultural events. Even in film, Evelyn made her mark as an ‘extra’ in “Road to Perdition,” starring alongside renowned actors Paul Newman and Tom Hanks.
Evelyn’s legacy continues through her children and extended family. Friends and family are invited to honor her memory with visitation and a Mass of Christian Burial, with details for those attending listed above.
Evelyn’s diverse talents included performing on the Bobby Vinton Telethon in 1982. Bobby Vinton, a notable musician, remains a celebrated figure. His reminiscences include Dolly, his wife’s exceptional cooking, with a special mention for her favorite breakfast recipe, detailed below for readers to enjoy.
Bobby Vinton’s Special Eggs Breakfast Recipe
Makes 6 to 8 servings
- 3 Idaho baking potatoes
- Cold water
- Corn oil
- 1/2 pound lean bacon
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red sweet pepper, chopped
- 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
- 3 tbsp sweet butter or margarine
- 10 large eggs
- 1/2 cup cream
- 8 large mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large zucchini, sliced
- 4 ounces Jack, Cheddar, or Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- Optional: Dairy sour cream, salsa
Directions:
- Peel, cube, and soak potatoes in cold water for 1 hour, then drain and dry.
- Fry potatoes in corn oil until brown, then drain.
- Crisp bacon, then crumble it.
- Sauté peppers and onions in butter until tender.
- Beat eggs with cream and add to vegetables, stirring on low heat.
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, cheese, and basil, stirring constantly until cooked.
- Combine with potatoes and bacon, heating through.
- Serve immediately with sour cream and salsa, with extra cheese on the side.
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