Alta Prokopek

Arlene Prokopek, age 84, a resident of Royal Oak for more than 30 years, formerly of Ferndale, died July 22, 2010 at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. She was born October 28, 1925 in Detroit. Mrs. Prokopek worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for Duramold in Oak Park, and later at Roseland Park Cemetery for 10 years. She was a member of the Embroiderers' Guild of America, Daughters of the American Revolution DAR and Christian Women's Club. She was a docent at the Henry Ford Museum, and a volunteer at William Beaumont Hospitals in Royal Oak and Troy. Mrs. Prokopek would make blankets for U.S. veterans and the neonatal babies at Providence Hospital in Southfield and Beaumont Hospital in Troy; and lap blankets for hospice and veteran patients. She won multiple blue ribbons at the Michigan State Fair for her needlework. She made 200 care packages for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. She was also a Deaconess at Highland Park Baptist Church. She loved painting, sewing, quilting and volunteering. She is survived by her daughters, Cathy L. Robert Scott of Troy and Linda J. Jessmon of Royal Oak; grandson, Philip Jessmon; and brother, Dale Cole of New Mexico. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank W. Prokopek, on July 6, 1980; parents, August and Navada Cole; brothers, DeGorda Cole, Harvey Cole and Franklin Cole; and sister, Lois Bell. The visitation will be held Monday 3-8 p.m. at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W Eleven Mile Road 4 blks. E of Woodward, Royal Oak. Mrs. Prokopek will lie in state Tuesday 10 a.m. until the time of service 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Rice officiating. The burial will take place at Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkley. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First Presbyterian Church, 529 Hendrie Boulevard, Royal Oak, MI 48067 - please note "music ministries". Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.