Obituary of MARY GLOWA

Mary Glowa

September 30, 1928 - January 6, 2024

With her son holding her hand, Mom passed away peacefully at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg on Saturday, January 6, 2024.

She was predeceased by her husband Sam, her father Steve, her mother Anne, her stepfather Dmetro, her sister Sonia, her brother John, and her daughter-in-law Donna.

She is survived by her Sons Gary, Ron, Terry (Marjie), and Michael, her Sisters Elsie, Anne (Pat), Grace, Diane (Brad), Roselyn (Gary), her Grandchildren, Cary (Janet), Scott, Lindsay (Bob), Karsen, Sam, Lacey (Brady) and her Great-Grandchildren Karter, Harlow, Shilow, Wynslow, Oliver, and Benjamin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was born in Toronto to Steve and Anne (Kopish) Hawryluk. Steve and Anne (both born in the Gimli area) were married in August 1926, then moved to Toronto in 1927 to find work. While they were living in Toronto, Steve’s father Jacob passed away in Gimli. Steve inherited a lot of very good farm equipment from his father so Steve and Anne decided to move back to Gimli to start a family farm. The farm is located on what is now known as Distillery Road (formerly Seagram’s Road).

Mary’s father Steve passed away at a very young age after an accident (Mary was 4 ½ years old). It was a very difficult time for them. Mom’s mother Anne remarried and the family grew; mom was blessed with 6 sisters and 1 brother.

Mom went to school at Dnister (a couple of miles northwest of Gimli) School, then to Gimli High School, then on to Success College, studying to be a Secretary.

Her first job was as Secretary to the office manager of Leonard and MacLachlan Motors selling Nash Automobiles.

Mom met our dad Sam on July 1, 1944 at the Winnipeg Beach Amusement Park. They became engaged on April 5, 1947 and were married on August 30, 1947 at the little church at Dnister, with the reception at the Dnister Hall close by.

Mom was known for her hospitality. She was an incredible hostess. Mom was always preparing food for her guests. She would never let anyone leave until they had something to eat. She was a fabulous cook.

In their lifetime mom and dad built 5 houses together. At every home they had a garden. Gardening was much more than a hobby; so many varieties of vegetables were grown. And flowers!! Mother had so many different types of beautiful flowers.

Mary and Sam were co-founders of Inkster Park Millwork Ltd. in 1966. At its inception the Company manufactured wood windows and door frames, mouldings, and millwork products. With 4 sons there was a ready-made workforce!

When the business became more established, mom and dad were able to take time off to travel. They really loved their road trips in their truck camper. They loved the independence of it all. Mom always had food in the cooler and fridge, so they could stop where they wanted and enjoy the surroundings. Trips were made to California, Texas, Vegas, Florida, and many other destinations.

Mom and dad were among the founding members of St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. Mom was also a longtime member of the Women’s League at the Church.

Mom often expressed how proud her and dad were of their baby boys and as the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, she again expressed how much she enjoyed being with them.

After dad passed away in 2012 and mother lost her leg in 2013, life became more difficult for her. Although being in a wheelchair slowed her down, it didn’t stop her. She still carried on cooking and preparing meals. Full Christmas Eve dinners were always a tradition and continued up until the last few years when things became more of a struggle.

Mom you were an amazing woman.

You and dad made so many friends over the years.

Rest in Peace

With Love from Your Family

Special Thanks to Dr. Fultz and his staff at Health Sciences Centre for caring for our Mother.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Avenue in Winnipeg.

Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Cropo Funeral Chapel in Winnipeg.