Evelyn Tolpa Lisek, a beloved figure in the Gary community, reached a milestone on March 11, celebrating her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends. At a recent event, the WANISS May Wine Charity Luncheon in Munster, she was still full of joy and enthusiasm. Evelyn was the longest-serving and still active member of WANISS, an organization originally established as the Women’s Association in Gary in 1962. She passed away peacefully in Hobart on June 15.

As one of the founding members of the ladies’ orchestra charity organization, Evelyn played a crucial role in renaming it the Women’s Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society in 1975. This change made it an affiliate of the Volunteer Council of the League of American Orchestras. During the 54th Annual May Wine Brunch, Evelyn, elegantly dressed in a spring wide-brimmed hat, proudly shared her history with the group, having attended since its inception over fifty years ago.

Trained as an opera singer, Evelyn performed across the country. Remarkably, she attended the Northwest Indiana Orchestra’s first concert at 8:30 p.m. on December 7, 1941, the same day as the Pearl Harbor attack. Evelyn was a cherished supporter of great music from the very start, said Maestro Kirk Muspratt of the Northwest Indiana Symphony. She never missed a concert or event. Her presence was a source of joy for everyone.

Born in Gary to Walter and Julia Tolpa, Evelyn graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1944 and pursued music studies at MacMurray College. She married Henry Lisek in 1949, who passed away in 2000. Her vocal talent was first recognized during her time at St. Hedwig Grade School, which led her to the Chicago Conservatory of Music. Evelyn excelled in performing a range of musical styles and showcased her skill in several foreign languages, leading her to perform internationally.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Evelyn enriched the educational experiences of numerous school children by presenting programs that combined music with historical themes. Her contributions to music and culture extended to being part of the Papal choir during Pope John Paul II’s visit to Chicago in 1979.

Proud of her Polish heritage, Evelyn was a member and soloist with the Chopin Chorus and Millennium Choir. She sang both the Polish and American anthems every October at Calumet City’s Polish American Heritage Month. She held roles as vice president of the Polish American Congress, Indiana Division, and was affiliated with multiple Polish organizations, advocating for cultural preservation and community involvement.

Evelyn’s life extended beyond music. She was featured in the Gary Post-Tribune in 1975 for her role as a soloist in a Christmas concert. In 2002, she was an extra in the film Road to Perdition, appearing alongside actors like Paul Newman and Tom Hanks.

Survived by her children and extended family, Evelyn leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service. Friends may visit with the family on June 21 at Geisen-Pruzin Funeral and Cremation Services, with further visitation and a Mass of Christian Burial on June 22 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.