Irene Toper Koistinen passed away Saturday, January 15, 2022, surrounded by the loved ones she devoted her life to. Born September 29, 1934, to her beloved father John and Viola Toper, she spoke fondly of her childhood in Rogers, Connecticut, which was full of lifelong friends, days playing outside, and afternoons spent at her father's store, Toper's Market. As an older sibling, she was protective of her younger brothers, John and Richard, always making sure there were special gifts for them under the tree at Christmas time. Aunt Irene always looked forward to babysitting and spending time with her older sister Helen and her children Richard, David, Donna, Natalie, and Renee. After graduating from Killingly High School in 1952 she began her career as a telephone operator for SNET, while spending her weekends attending Polka dances. "Wanna dance Polack?" were the words that began her 64-year marriage to husband Paul when they met at Crystal Lake Ballroom. In 1960 they settled down in Windsor Locks. As a mother, she was daughter Susan's favorite shopping partner. She enjoyed Christmas Eve nights at Susan and her husband Ralph's house, sitting amongst the chaos of children running around as her growing family celebrated. When extra crunchy peanut butter was not available, she made her own by blending peanuts by hand for young son, Bob. Bob and his wife Kim would always make sure the rocking chair reserved only for Irene was coat-free and ready when she would visit. As a grandmother she threw the best sleepovers; full of pillow fights, enthusiastic readings of Caps for Sale, and never complete without her famous "2-2-2" breakfast with a side of "Skidamarink-a-dink-a-dink" on repeat in the morning. She cherished the time her grandchildren, Katie, Michael, Louis, Kristy, and Donna, spent playing Nintendo in the basement, which she stocked with their favorite Doritos, popsicles, and anything else they could dream of. Her great-granddaughters, Tobin and Delaney, quickly learned where Meema's candy dish was, always full of their favorite Tootsie Pops. Knowing them by heart, she never wrote down the recipes for her golabki and potato salad, signature dishes her family will continue to attempt to recreate but know they will never perfect without Meema's touch. She loved taking leisurely car rides with her grandchildren. When her grandson Louis began driving for her, Mondays were always reserved for road trips to Southwick for milkshakes and grinders. Louis and Susan served as devoted and loving caretakers for several years, ensuring both Irene and her husband Paul were able to remain at home, surrounded by family.
Irene was predeceased by her husband Paul, her mother and father, Viola and John Toper, and her brother John Toper, sister Helen Gaudreau, and niece Donna Robinson. She is survived by her brother Richard Toper (Lucy) of Brooklyn, CT, son Robert Koistinen (Kimberlee) of Suffield, CT, daughter Susan Santabarbara (Ralph) of Windsor Locks, CT, grandchildren Katie Hastings (Rick) of East Granby, CT, Michael and Kristy Koistinen of Suffield, CT, Louis and Donna Santabarbara of Windsor Locks, CT, great grandchildren Tobin and Delaney Hastings of East Granby, CT, and several nieces and nephews.
Irene dedicated her life to instilling the importance of family in her children and grandchildren, and the impact of her message will continue to guide us for generations. The family would like to offer a special thanks to the nurses at Masonic Care Hospice for their guidance and support. Irene's burial will be at St. Mary's cemetery in Windsor Locks at the convenience of the family.