Obituary of JUSTEENA (TEENA) HOLOWATY (nee BABEY)

Justeena (Teena) Holowaty (nee Babey) passed away peacefully in the care of Concordia Hospital. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was full of love, resilience, and service.

Teena was predeceased by her husband, Peter, in 2011 and their son Theodore in 1966. Mom is survived by her children, Donna (John); Wayne (Catherine); grandchildren, Steven (Lindsay), Chantel (Bryce), Jennifer (Nolan), Shelby (Jason); and cherished great-grandchildren, Ayden, Charleigh, Blake, Madison, Ryder, Hunter, and Lennon.

Born in the RM of Mossey River, Manitoba, Teena was the second of seven children. She attended Pine View School with her siblings before moving to Winnipeg with her sister Mary, seeking new opportunities. Both sisters found work in the garment and hospitality industries. Later joined by their sister Helen, the sisters’ hard work and dedication enabled them to purchase a house on Redwood Avenue, allowing their parents to move from the farm to the city. The three became active members of the community, joining the Ukrainian National Youth Federation in St. Boniface. Through the UNF mom then joined the O. Koshetz choir which took them on road trips to perform in the US. It was during this time that Teena met Peter Holowaty. Their shared love for Ukrainian music and culture became the foundation of their relationship, and they were married in 1957. They started their family with the births of Donna in 1959, Wayne in 1961 and Theodore in 1966.

In 1963 with Teena’s insistence and persistence they purchased their family home in Transcona, where they raised their children and became active members of the church and community for 61 years. Teena and Peter became dedicated members of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, where they gained many lifelong friendships. Teena contributed countless hours to the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada (UCWLC); fall suppers, bingos, spring teas, church picnics and more. It’s believed she pinched over a million perogies for the church, with a few for her family.

Teena’s life was filled with many passions and joys. She was a serious curler, a keen bowler, and an enthusiastic golfer who impressively achieved a hole-in-one. Mom proudly shared Ukrainian traditions and recipes. She cherished time spent at the lake, enjoying its peace and serenity. Above all, her greatest joy came from her family, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whose playfulness and energy brought her endless happiness. Teena lived independently at St. Michael’s Villa until her passing, a testament to her spirit and resilience.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests for donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in Teena’s memory.

A private family service will be held to honour and celebrate her remarkable life.

Teena’s unwavering love, dedication to her family, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.