Obituary of Tricia Lynne Visser

January 12, 1972 – Calgary, Alberta

May 13, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Tricia Lynne Visser was born in Calgary to a loving family of Victor, Barbara, and Terry Sopkiw on January 12, 1972. She was a joyful child whose smile would brighten the day of anyone around. Tricia had a great upbringing. She attended Willow Park Elementary, Nickle Junior High, and Dr. E.P. Scarlett High school.

Tricia loved soccer from a young age, and when she was 16 years old her team the Celtics, won the provincial championship for Alberta. She played defence. Trish also was an accomplished flautist in both Junior High and High school. She played the flute and marched in parades with the Calgary Round Up Band. It was in Junior High, at band practices, that she first met a young trumpet player named Jeff.

She later went to the University of Calgary to achieve her Bachelor of Arts in History in 2000. She then achieved her Bachelor of Education and Master of Teaching Program in 2002. She became a great teacher for many years, making an impact on many young lives. Helping young people achieve their potential was a great joy for Tricia.

She loved the outdoors and enjoyed swimming in Lake Bonaventure or just soaking up the sun on the dock. Tricia also cherished her times at the family acreage watching the deer, birds, and other animals. She also would talk with her mother and brother for hours on end on the phone. Trish had a particular connection with the Shewchuk family who were very special to her.

In summer of 2003, she again met that young trumpet player from Junior High named Jeff. They became good friends and a couple of years later they decided to marry. It was July 29, 2005. It was a hot summer day and Tricia looked fabulous in her wedding dress. Jeff and Tricia honeymooned at Disneyland which she felt was the happiest place on earth. She got to meet her friend Mickey Mouse again and Jeff said she looked the happiest he had ever seen her. They loved each other very much. They lived in Willow Park and later moved to Lake Bonavista. Jeff was always there for her.

Everyone who knew Trish enjoyed her joy for life, sense of humor and special smile. She touched the lives of everyone she met in a special way. Therefore, it is so sad that she is gone at such a young age. She had goals yet to accomplish and things to do that were left unfinished.

Tricia is survived by her husband Jeff and his family in Calgary, AB; her parents Victor and Barbara (nee Zavada) Sopkiw, her brother Terry Sopkiw, uncle Walter Sopkiw of Ft. McMurray, AB, aunt Sonia Sopkiw of Winnipeg, MB; she is also survived by her mom’s nieces and nephews, Darrell Puchalski and his family in Ancaster, ON; Byron and Sharon Cudrak-Puchalski and their family in Lethbridge, AB; Grace and Dr. Steve Shaughnessy and their family in St. Catharines, ON; Celeste and Lindsay Mannila and their family in Nipigon, ON; Bernie Puchalski, Carolyn Mullin and family of Fonthill, ON; and the Szkandera family in Verdryne, Czech Republic.

Tricia was predeceased by her grandparents, Walter and Joanna (nee Sikora) Zavada and Jack and Anastasia (nee Lokshyn), aunt Anne Zavada, and her aunt and uncle, Emilie  and Leonard Puchalski; and her uncle Paul Sopkiw.

Funeral Mass was concelebrated at St. Bonaventure Catholic church by Rev. Bill Stevenson and Rev. Colin O’Rourke on May 23, 2022.  A special thank you to the funeral choir and the CWL Honour Guard. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Tricia Visser, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575