Elsie Popka

Elsie was born May 25th, 1933, to the late John & Anna (Belanchik) Dunda on a farm in Albion, PA. The youngest of 5 children, she was preceded in death by brothers, John (72’) & Micheal (80’), and Sisters Margaret (69’) & Anna (85’). Elsie graduated from Albion Area High School (51’) and later studied at the Penn State Behrend Campus of Penn State University in Erie, PA. She married the love of her life, the late Joe C. Popka (00’), upon his return from the Korean War in 1957. They resided in Girard, PA and were founding parishioners of the St’s Cyril & Methodious Byzantine Catholic Church in Girard, PA. In her younger years, Elsie worked at the Morelite Corp, Girard, Pa. and eventually retired from Spectrum Control, Inc, Fairview, Pa, where she worked as a HR Benefits Specialist. Elsie’s true passion was enjoying time with family. Upon their retirement in 1992, they moved to Bonita Springs, Florida to be closer to their son and daughter-in-law. They leave behind one son, Joseph D. (Patricia L.) Popka of Naples, Florida; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many dear friends in both Pennsylvania and Florida.

Elsie had a zest for life. She enjoyed travel, golf, bowling, playing cards and dining with family & friends. They embraced the Florida lifestyle and were blessed to enjoy the beach, sun, travel, and the warm weather. Elsie was an avid gardener and loved flowers, and was known for keeping a meticulous garden, yard & house. She had a passion for holiday lights and decorating her home for all her neighbors to enjoy. Elsie relished in performing as a dancer and mummer with the Bonita Village Band at parades, community performances and holiday events. In Florida, Elsie and Joe attended All Saint’s Byzantine Catholic Church in N. Ft Myers, Fl. and St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Bonita Springs, Fl.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens 525 111th Ave N, Naples, Fl. 34108. All are invited to attend.

On Monday November 24th, 2025, from 1:00-1:30pm, a Viewing will be held in the Chapel at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:30pm officiated by Father Yurii Mikhalko of All Saints Byzantine Catholic Church. Entombment in a crypt shared with her late husband Joe, will follow at 2:15pm in the Mausoleum at Naples Memorial Gardens, Naples, Fl.

A Celebration of life gathering will be held on Sunday December 7th, 2025, between 2:00pm. -4:00pm, at the Bonita St. James Clubhouse 10161 Wales Loop, Bonita Springs, Fl. 34135.

Elsie loved flowers, but in lieu, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in her memory, or by planting a tree in her honor. Please share your fond memories of Elsie by signing the guest book.