John and Wanda Stopa

A Retired Employee’s Remarkable Gift to the Civic Campus

John and Wanda Stopa dedicated their lives to helping others in their community. Thanks to their foresight and planning, future generations will continue to benefit from their generosity.

Originally both from Poland, John and Wanda immigrated separately to Canada in the mid-1950s, where they met, fell in love and got married. John began his career at the former Ottawa Civic Hospital shortly thereafter, first in maintenance and then as an elevator attendant.

During his 25 years at the Civic, John was always willing to help out beyond the call of duty. As he and Wanda didn’t have children of their own, he often worked during the holidays so that other employees could take time off to spend with their children. He also helped many Polish immigrants find jobs at the Hospital.

“They were very well-liked and extremely giving people,” recall long-time family friends Johanna and Frank Nemeth. The Stopas were well-known in Ottawa’s Polish community, donating time and money to many important community assets, including The Ottawa Hospital, the Salvation Army, as well as two local churches—one Polish and one German.

When John died in 1991, Wanda decided to include several charitable bequests in her will that would carry on the spirit of generosity they both shared. She chose to leave a percentage of the residue of her estate to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, designated specifically to the Civic Campus, in honour of John’s many years of service.

Sadly, Wanda passed away in 2002 at age 84. However, the Stopas’ legacy lives on at the Hospital. Wanda’s thoughtful bequest resulted in a donation of just over $20,000 to support the most urgent needs of The Ottawa Hospital’s Civic Campus.

“Wanda really believed in supporting the Hospital,” say the Nemeths. “She always said there is nothing more important to a community than having a hospital that can care for all people.”