Evelyn Lisek: A Century of Music and Community

Evelyn Tolpa Lisek from Gary celebrated her 100th birthday on March 11, surrounded by family and friends. In May, she attended the WANISS May Wine Charity Luncheon at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, where she continued to spread joy with her presence. Evelyn was the longest-serving active member of the Women’s Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society (WANISS), originally founded in 1962 as the Women’s Association in Gary.

Sadly, Evelyn passed away peacefully in Hobart on June 15. As a pioneer of the ladies’ orchestra charity organization, she played a key part in its evolution, including the 1975 decision to rename it WANISS. The organization became affiliated with the Volunteer Council of the League of American Orchestras. At the 54th Annual May Wine Brunch, Evelyn wore her favorite spring hat, illustrating her enduring connection with the group.

Evelyn was a trained opera performer who graced stages nationwide. At 15, she attended the first Northwest Indiana Orchestra concert on Pearl Harbor Day in 1941. According to WANISS President Tresa Redermacher, Evelyn was enjoying life to the fullest even days before her passing.

“Evelyn was our most dedicated fan since the orchestra’s inception,” said Maestro Kirk Muspratt of the Northwest Indiana Symphony. “Her influence and warmth will be deeply missed.”

Born in Gary to Walter and Julia Tolpa, Evelyn graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1944. She later studied music at MacMurray College and continued her musical training at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, encouraged by her early teachers.

Evelyn married Henry Lisek in 1949, who passed away in 2000. Her exceptional ability to perform in multiple languages facilitated a global career in music. During the 1970s and 1980s, she entertained school children with patriotic programs, combining music with education.

Proud of her Polish roots, Evelyn was active in numerous cultural organizations, including the Chopin Chorus and Millennium Choir. Her achievements also included singing for Pope John Paul II in 1979 in Chicago. Evelyn served in leadership roles within the Polish American Congress and Polish Women’s Alliance.

Known for her volunteerism, she was cantor for 20 years at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Gary and led the “Sounds of Knights” choral group. An opportunity as a movie extra placed her in a scene with Paul Newman and Tom Hanks in “Road to Perdition.”

Siblings include Carolyn, Walter, Darlene, and Kathryn, along with numerous relatives. Friends can express condolences on June 21 at Geisen-Pruzin Funeral and Cremation Services and June 22 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, before the Mass of Christian Burial.

In 1982, Evelyn participated in the Bobby Vinton Telethon. Bobby, now retired, reflected on his fondness for music and a special family recipe. Here’s a beloved recipe from him:

Bobby Vinton’s Special Eggs Breakfast

• 3 Idaho baking potatoes
• Corn Oil
• 1/2 pound lean bacon
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red sweet pepper, chopped
• 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 10 large eggs
• 1/2 cup cream
• 8 large mushrooms, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 4 ounces shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil
• Sour cream, optional
• Salsa, optional

Instructions

1. Peel and cube potatoes, soak in cold water for 1 hour.
2. Drain, dry, and fry in hot oil until brown.
3. Fry bacon until crisp and crumble.
4. Sauté peppers and onions in butter, set aside.
5. Beat eggs with cream, pour over veggies, stir gently.
6. Mix in mushrooms, zucchini, cheese, and basil, stirring constantly.
7. Add potatoes and bacon, heat through.
8. Serve with optional sour cream and salsa.

Contact columnist Philip Potempa via email or mail for more recipes and stories.