Obituary of EMMA EMILY KOWAL

EMMA EMILY KOWAL
(NEE GUENTHER)

December 22, 1923 – November 30, 2020

With great sadness we announce the passing of Emma Kowal on Monday, November 30, 2020 after a life well-lived. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends. Emma leaves to cherish her memory her sons Rob and Ken, daughter-in-law Susan (Rob), grandchildren, Ian, Lyndsay (Brendan) and Dana (Taylor), great-grandson Fraser, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews. Emma was predeceased by her loving husband Bob in 1982, and by her parents, August and Emilia Guenther and siblings Richard, Oscar, Fred, Ida (infant) and Evelyn.

Emma was born December 22, 1923 in Lithuania, the oldest daughter of August and Emilia. August emigrated to Canada in 1928 and was joined by Emilia, Richard, Emma and Oscar in 1931. They settled in Winnipeg’s North End, where Emma grew up, helping to support the family and raise her siblings.

Emma was a loving and dedicated wife and mother. In July 1951, Emma married William (Bob) Kowal. The couple bought a house in Winnipeg’s West End, where Emma lived until February 2020 and where they raised their family together. Bob, a butcher, operated L&W Groceries at the corner of Lipton Ave. and Wellington St.

Emma put her talents as a fine seamstress to good use over the years. During World War II, she sewed uniforms for Canadian soldiers at Eaton’s Department Store Mail Order. Emma made her own beautiful wedding dress of white satin and lace. She later became a dedicated employee of drapery manufacturer George N. Jackson Ltd., where she worked for more than 20 years, retiring in 1989.

Bob and Emma and the family enjoyed many happy times at the family cottage at Falcon Lake, where Emma would spend the summer months. She enjoyed swimming, picking blueberries and visiting with friends and neighbours, and later spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to sewing, Emma enjoyed cooking, knitting, crocheting and gardening. She will be especially remembered for her delicious perogies and cabbage rolls.

Emma was a fun-loving person. She shared memories of her trips on the “Midnight Special” to Winnipeg Beach and dancing with Bob at Winnipeg’s dance halls in the late 1940’s. In her later years she kept active with line dancing, bowling and chasing after that “big win” at McPhillips Station Casino. She enjoyed trips, including to Hawaii and Mexico, with her friend Pete.

The family extends its sincere thanks to Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Home Care Services personnel and to staff at Calvary Place Personal Care Home and the Grace Hospital for their kindness to Emma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emma’s memory to the charity of your choice.

A private service will be held. Funeral Arrangements by Cropo Funeral Chapel.