Helen J. "Happy" Popalisky

1927 - 2015

Popalisky, Helen J. "Happy" (Nee Kiernan ) Entered into the Fullness of Eternal Life on October 29, 2015 at the age of 88. Resident of Mequon, former longtime resident of Shorewood. Though her birth name was Helen, it was the name Happy that carried this Irish gal through her life. Happy was born in Plymouth, Indiana to William and Helen Kiernan on August 24, 1927, but was raised in Milwaukee which was more befitting to her heritage as the great-great-granddaughter of Solomon Juneau, the founder and first mayor of Milwaukee. Happy graduated from Riverside High School and Marquette University School of Nursing. When Happy married the love of her life, Donald "Pop" Popalisky, her Irish heritage, originally very evident in her birth name, became a bit less so. Happy kept the Irish in her smile and a twinkle always apparent in her eyes as to say, come follow me in my pursuit of fun. Happy was a proud wife and mother and active in her community always helping others. She was a devout Catholic and was very active in the Christ Child Society. She and Pop were long time members of Ozaukee Country Club and the Milwaukee Curling Club where they developed and enjoyed lifelong friendships. Happy was an avid golfer, tennis player, and curler, and loved water aerobics at the Y. She cherished her quiet walks on the beaches of Sanibel Island, Florida to the lighthouse, which proved to be symbolic in that she now has taken her final walk to the light that will safely bring her home. Beloved wife for 48 years of the late Donald "Pop" Popalisky. Loving mother of Bill (Liz) Popalisky, Ann (John) Riley, David (Pat) Popalisky, Tom (Susie) Popalisky, Jean (Maris) Galins, and Beth Popalisky. Caring grandmother of Will and Sarah Popalisky; Tim (Bria) Riley, Maureen (Gene) Mussel, Tom (Cristy) Riley, Beth Riley (Erik); Dante and Jadon Popalisky; Leslie Popalisky, Joe (MaryAnn) Popalisky, Teddy Popalisky, and Tommy Popalisky and great grandmother to Violet and Kiernan Riley and Lily her favorite granddog. Further survived by many cherished friends Visitation will be held at the Feerick Funeral Home on Monday, November 2, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2700 W. Mequon Rd at the corner of N Range Line Rd in Mequon on Tuesday, November 3, at 11:00 AM. Graveside committal services will follow the mass at Calvary Cemetery. In loving memory of Happy, donations in her name may be made to Dominican High School, 120 E. . Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 or the Christ Child Society, 4033 W. Good Hope Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53209. The Popalisky family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Catherine Shepard for her dedication, kindness, and love.