Obituary of Anne Kowal

KOWAL We are saddened to announce that our beautiful mother, grandmother and great grandmother has passed away at age 97 & 5 months on May 21, 2010 at Oakview Nursing Home. Mom ("Baba") was born on December 12th, 1912 (12-12-12) in Winnipeg, where she spent her entire life. She was very active and loved singing in her church choir at the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church. Next to her family, the church was the most important thing in her life. She also loved playing Bingo at the Pioneer Seniors Club and treasured the many friends she acquired over the years. Their support and friendship meant the world to her and to us. Mom played the mandolin in her younger days and enjoyed reminiscing about it. She loved her big garden and cooking perogies and cabbage rolls. The grandchildren always thought her cooking was the best and called their Baba the "Queen of Cabbage Rolls and Perogies." She loved and was very proud of her family and was always checking to see if they were alright. She took pride in showing their pictures to people. She was proud of her Ukrainian heritage and would ask everyone she met if they were Ukrainian. These last few months were very difficult for her after she fell out of her wheelchair and broke her leg. Mom belonged to the Sisterhood of St. Anne (later renamed the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League) and was the oldest living member in Manitoba. The league honored her for her loyalty and there was a nice article and picture in the Ukrainian Progress newspaper. Mom was also a member of the Ukrainian Fraternal Society of Canada since 1929. Mom loved going out for dinners with dear friends Frances Benzelock and the late Anne Homenick. Mom was predeceased by her husband Michael, her parents Anthony & Helen Werboski, her brother Wally, daughter-in-law Irene and son-in-law Ivan. Within the last few years, she lost her sisters Mary Sulavella and Jean Wensel, and brother-in-law John Kowal, niece Joyce (Kowal) Limerick, nephew Ken Wensel and many other dear relatives. Mom will be forever loved & deeply missed by her daughter Dorene Beck (Doug Hughes) and son Donald Kowal (Ann Mabon) and her six grandsons: Jeff Beck (Lori) of B.C., Chris Beck (Brenda), Jason Beck (Chantal), of Winnipeg, Greg Kowal (Thalie) of Calgary, Dr. Scott Kowal (Karen) and Grant Kowal of Winnipeg and her beloved great grandchildren: Kali, Jade and Julian Beck of B.C., Ryan and Alana Beck, Cameron, Wesley, Ewan and Dana Kowal; of Winnipeg and John Apostolukis of Calgary; as well as sister-in-law Teena Bodner, Emma Kowal, Jean Kowal and many nieces and nephews. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Oakview Place Nursing Home, also Dr. G. Griggs, and Dr. F. Aoki.. Their kindness and caring will never be forgotten. Also a big thank you to the many priests, parishioners & seniors club members who visited, brought communion, flowers and sent cards. You made our Mom very happy. Funeral Mass will be said at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church on Logan (off Route 90) and Ada with Rev. Father Bogdan Borowiec and Rev. Father Richard Soo SJ on Wednesday May 26th at 11:00 A.M. The service will terminate at the chapel. Burial will be at Brookside Cemetery at a later date. If friends so desire, please donate to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to www.cropo.com. "Mom, you are now free from pain in the arms of Jesus" Cropo Funeral Chapel 1442 Main Street 586-8044