Obituary of Sr. O.S.B.

Sr. Grace (Therese) Kowalski, O.S.B. With deep sorrow, the Sisters of St. Benedict announce the death of their beloved member, Sr. Grace Kowalski, on July 1, 2009 at 1:45 a.m. at the Riverview Health Centre after a courageous battle with aplastic anemia. Sr. Grace will be deeply missed by her community. She had faithfully lived the monastic life for 46 years. Sr. Grace, an only child, was born to Polish parents Edward and Wladislawa (Jaros) Kowalski on December 22, 1941 in a German labor camp, on a farm near Kllenow, Germany. After the war the family immigrated to Canada when Grace was seven years old. They settled in Winnipeg's multi-cultural north end becoming faithful parishioners of Holy Ghost Parish. Grace first met the Benedictine Sisters when she was enrolled in Holy Ghost School. Her love for the community never wavered. She entered the Benedictine Sisters on June 24, 1961 and made her monastic profession on July 11, 1963. Throughout her religious life, Grace was known, loved and respected by the members of her community and a wide circle of friends as she touched people's lives through her deeply spiritual, prayerful, joyous, caring presence. She accepted willingly whatever was asked of her including several administrative positions. At age 38 she was elected Prioress of the community, serving for two terms and later a third term as she said as a "re-cycled prioress". She ministered also as teacher, sub-prioress, council member, Federation delegate, director of the retreat centre, of the Oblates of St. Benedict, of the volunteers, of vocations, and of formation of new members. She was a member and often chairperson of a number of committees within the community and at the Federation level. Sr. Grace had a zest for life and a keen sense of adventure. She loved traveling, biking, canoeing, hiking, listening to classical music, attending ballet and reading. Even with her failing eyesight she could be found listening to talking books on CD's or tapes. She had a ready smile and a warm hug for everyone. She will be remembered as a genuinely friendly and authentic person. Sr. Grace was predeceased by her parents, Edward & Wladislawa (Gladys) Kowalski, and numerous relatives in Poland. She is survived by her religious community, close family friends Joseph and Sophie Bosak, their niece Basia and (Al) Merkel and Liz (Brzozowski) and Ken Prokop. Cremation has taken place. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 2:00 p.m., presided by Msgr. Louis McCloskey, at St. Benedict's Monastery Chapel and commendation by Sr. Virginia Evard, Prioress, with inurnment to follow in the Monastery cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in Sr. Grace's memory to St. Benedict's Foundation, 225 Masters Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R4A 2A1. The Sisters wish to express their gratitude to Drs. B. Gorski, Susan Fair, James Johnston, R. Kumar, R. Leicht, L. Gould, and all the doctors and staff at Seven Oaks Hospital, the Health Science Centre, Riverview Health Centre, St. Benedict's Health Care Centre, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and all Sr. Grace's friends for their loving support and care. May she rest in peace.