VERA KOWALCHUK (ZARETSKI)

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VERA KOWALCHUK (nee ZARETSKI) On Tuesday, October 4, 2005, surrounded by family, our loving wife, mother and Babka, passed away at Seven Oaks Hospital. Vera was predeceased by her parents, Anna and Fedir; her brother Steven Zaretski; and niece Elsie Zaretski; and two sisters in infancy during the 1918 influenza epidemic. Vera is survived by her husband William (Bill) of 57 years; her children and grandchildren, Robert (Marilyn) Kowalchuk, Ryan and David; Sandra (Glenn) Price, Anastasia (Stacey); brother John Zaretski; special nephew Danny Zaretski and numerous nieces and nephews. Vera was born on January 1, 1927 in Carlowrie, MB. Vera and Bill were married in 1948 and resided in Vita, Carlowrie and Sarto (as Bill was a teacher in small rural one room schools), prior to moving to Winnipeg in 1957. Vera was a member of St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral congregation in Winnipeg and also at Nativity of St. Mary in Senkiw. She was on the executive of the St. Andrews Brotherhood and served as Recording Secretary and was on the Visiting Committee. Vera served as the president of the Sisterhood of St. Mary the Protectress until her passing and was a member of K'nahania Olha Women's Association at St. Mary the Protectress Cathedral. Vera was a very giving and generous person who opened her home to numerous friends and family in need. She also enjoyed indulging and helping out her grandchildren in special ways. Thanks Babka! We will all miss her special Christmas Eve and Easter celebrations, where all were welcome to enjoy traditional Ukrainian feasts. Thanks Mom! The family would like to thank the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital for their special care, kindness and compassion. Prayers will be sung on Thursday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 820 Burrows Ave. in Winnipeg. Funeral service will be held on Friday, October 7 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 820 Burrows Ave. in Winnipeg with Fr. Jaroslaw Buciora officiating. A short service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7 at Nativity of St. Mary Church in Senkiw, MB prior to interment at the Senkiw Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ryan Kowalchuk, David Kowalchuk, Bill Zaretski, Johnnny Zaretski, Andrew Senchuk, Marko Senchuk and Danny Zaretski as Honorary Pallbearer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Vichnaya Pam'yat CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 06, 2005