Celebrating the Life of Evelyn Tolpa Lisek, a Remarkable Musician and Community Leader

Evelyn Tolpa Lisek of Gary celebrated a life marked by music and community service. On March 11, she turned 100, celebrating with family and friends. Just a month prior, she attended the WANISS May Wine Charity Luncheon in Munster, still full of life and joy.

Evelyn was the longest-serving active member of the Women’s Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society (WANISS), initially founded in Gary in 1962. Sadly, she passed peacefully in Hobart on June 15.

A founding member of WANISS, Evelyn was instrumental in renaming the group to reflect its support of the Northwest Indiana Symphony. She recalled attending her first spring luncheon over five decades ago.

An accomplished opera singer, Evelyn graced stages nationwide. At 15, she witnessed the Northwest Indiana Orchestra’s inaugural concert on December 7, 1941.

“Evelyn had just attended our WANISS Annual meeting last Thursday and was really enjoying herself,” shared Tresa Redermacher, WANISS President. “She will be so missed.”

Born to Walter and Julia Tolpa, Evelyn graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1944. She pursued music at MacMurray College under Ann Garrels. In 1949, she married Henry Lisek, who predeceased her in 2000. Evelyn discovered her vocal talents in grade school, later honing them at the Chicago Conservatory of Music.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Evelyn’s performances mixed music with education, engaging young audiences in learning history through song. She was a constant presence at symphony events, never missing a concert since 1941.

Deeply proud of her Polish roots, Evelyn sang in the Chopin Chorus and Millennium Choir and performed Polish and American anthems at annual heritage observances.

Notably, in 1979, she joined the choir that welcomed Pope John Paul II to Chicago. Her community service extended to roles with the Polish American Congress and other cultural organizations.

Evelyn also served as cantor for 20 years, leading a Knights of Columbus choral group. She even appeared as an extra in the film “Road to Perdition.”

She is survived by her children Carolyn, Walter, Darlene, and Kathryn, along with nieces, nephews, and extended family. Friends may visit with the family at Geisen-Pruzin Funeral and Cremation Services in Merrillville, followed by a service at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Hobart.

Additionally, in 1982, she participated in the Bobby Vinton Telethon, showcasing her musical talents for a televised fundraiser.

“Evelyn was our best fan,” Maestro Kirk Muspratt of the Northwest Indiana Symphony noted. “Her presence graced our lives.”