Julia Trepak

Julia Trepak, a cherished matriarch, and esteemed seamstress, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, at the age of 98 in South Bend, Indiana. Born on June 23, 1926, in Kampa Skurecka, Poland, Julia's life was a tapestry of resilience, love, and dedication to her family and community.
Julia's journey to America was marked by the same strength and determination that would define her life. In Germany, she met and married the love of her life, Wasyl Trepak, who preceded her in death. Together, they built a life filled with joy, challenges, and the laughter of children. Julia was the loving mother of Alina (Gary) Rollins and the late Peter Trepak. She was also a mother-in-law to Mildred (Ed) Stoker. Her parents, Daniel and Wilhelamena Arndt, and brothers Edward, Reinold, Walter and Arthur, preceded her in death, leaving a legacy of familial bonds that Julia continued to nurture throughout her life.
Julia's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as she owned and operated her own seamstress business. Her skilled hands and creative eye brought beauty and comfort to many, and her work ethic was an inspiration to those who knew her. Julia's involvement in her community was a testament to her belief in service and her desire to contribute to the world around her.
Known affectionately as "Baba" to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, Julia's legacy is carried on through her loving family. She was a guiding force in the lives of her grandchildren, Aaron (Renee Adams) Rollins, Stefanie (Tony) Ross, Amy (David) Griffith, Rhonda (Brit) Francis, and Emily (Tony) Ciurleo. Her great-grandchildren, Jakob and Nikolas Rollins; Remi Ross, Timothy (Angela) Griffith, Kristen (Sean) Batye, Mariah (Cameron) Lister; and Sandro, Gia, Sloane, Selene, and Enzo Ciurleo, and great-great-grandchildren, will remember her for her stories, wisdom, and the warmth of her embrace. The memory of her great-granddaughter, Savanna Best, remains a cherished part of her family's story.
Julia's passions extended beyond her work and family. A devoted Notre Dame football fan, she celebrated every victory with enthusiasm and remained hopeful through every challenge the team faced. Her garden was a place of solace and beauty, where she cultivated not only food and flowers but also a sense of peace and connection to the earth. Her love for gardening was only matched by her love for her family, and she often said that her plants thrived on the laughter and conversations that took place around them.
Julia's life was a reflection of her values: family was paramount, hard work was to be admired, and taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures was essential. Her home was a welcoming haven where friends and family gathered, drawn by the aroma of her cooking and the promise of her company. Her legacy is one of enduring love, a strong sense of community, and the beauty that comes from a life well-lived.
As we bid farewell to Julia Trepak, we celebrate a life that was rich in experiences and abundant in love. Her spirit, characterized by her kindness, resilience, and the joy she found in the everyday, will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. Julia's memory will be treasured in the hearts of her family and friends, and her influence will be felt for generations to come.
A Graveside Service will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2025 at Lindenwood Cemetery, 2324 W. Main St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808. Palmer Funeral Homes – River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
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