Obituary of KATHARINA (KASIA) WANDA KOWALCHUK

KATHARINA (KASIA) WANDA KOWALCHUK

 (nee DOLNA)

March 9, 1988 - December 20, 2022

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kasia Kowalchuk, our dear daughter, wife, mother, cousin, niece, aunt, and good friend after a brief illness on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at the age of 34.

She was predeceased by cousin in-law Daniel and her beloved Odie. 

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband Matt; sons Boden and Reid; mother Anna; faithful furry companion Reuben; mother and father in-law Tarja and Mike; cousins in Canada Elizabeth, Richard and Greg; nephew Joshua; aunt Zofia; uncle Frank, aunt Barbara and countless other family members and close friends both in Canada and Europe who are much too numerous to name. 

Kasia was born on March 9, 1988 in Winnipeg Manitoba and immediately made the world a better place. Her mom affectionately called her “my lotto 649 win” as she was such an incredible blessing to have! 

As a young girl, Kasia began to attend Polish dancing classes which turned into a lifelong passion for her. Her love of her Polish culture and dance was a true part of her personality and lifestyle and developed into wonderful and true friendships within her Polish Dance Ensemble “Iskry”. She also took many trips to Poland to connect with her family and culture and was proudly fluent in Polish.

Kasia and Matt met in 2010 and it was an instant connection. She wed the love of her life and her best friend in a beautiful ceremony on September 3, 2016 at the Lakeview Resort at Hecla. They began to build a family with the joyous births of their precious sons a few years later. 

Kasia’s family was her pride and joy. She loved going camping and spending time outdoors with Matt and their sons. She had a true love of nature and it’s awe inspiring simplicity. Kasia’s casual and genuine nature perfectly suited the outdoor life.

Kasia was full of love for her family and her friends and she could always be counted on for support. Her smile always lit up the room and everyone’s hearts. She was selfless, strong and resilient with a heart of gold. An authentic soul, she was not shy of expressing her love of chips, beer and country music. This only endeared her even more to everyone who knew her.

When she was 15 years old, she began working at St. Boniface Hospital in many different support worker positions. She developed her strong work ethic at a young age and learned so many different skills.

Professionally, Kasia was a dedicated member of the University Medical Group, where she worked as an Accounting Supervisor since Oct 1st, 2013. Very similar to her personal life, Kasia was the center of fun and laughter in the office. All her coworkers loved working with Kasia and to no surprise, her presence was always noticed whether for her humour and of course for her candor and feisty personality. Kasia's absence will truly leave a massive void in her workplace and in the hearts of her coworkers.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Saint Boniface Hospital intensive care unit for their care and compassion.

She will be forever loved and greatly missed by her family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 23rd at 3:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Interment will take place at a later date. Livestream will be available on the Cropo website for those unable to attend. 

The University Medical Group (UMG), where Kasia worked, is accepting donations to assist Matt with Boden and Reid’s future. UMG will manage the funds in trust while donations are accepted and funds will then be transferred to the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

If you would like to donate, please etransfer to:  accounts@universitymedicalgroup.ca and insert 'Kasia Kowalchuk’ in the comment field. The money will be auto-deposited so there is no security question.

May she rest in peace.

Wieczny odpoczynek racz im dać panie.