ROSEMARY KOWALSKY BFA

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ROSEMARY KOWALSKY BFA (Hons) (1920 2006) Peacefully on Monday, October 16 2006 at Deer Lodge Centre, Rosemary passed away at the age of 86 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Barry (Kathryn) of Calgary, and Ken (Linda) of Victoria; daughter- in-law Julia Kowalsky (Ft St John) and son- in-law Elton Bash (London, England); grandchildren, Stephen, Christopher, Rachel, Brendan, Robin, Katelyn, Kenneth and Marie; sisters, Joan and Elaine; and sisters-in-law, Olga and Madeline. Rosemary was predeceased by her husband Cliff; daughter Elaine; and son Clifford. Born on 335 Queen Street in St. James, Rosemary was the daughter of Lillian and Wilfred Stephens. She attended St. James Collegiate and Tec Voc School where she met Cliff, who she married in December 1939 at the Stella Mission. Rosemary served her country during the Second World War in the Canadian Women's Army Corps, training in Ottawa as a telegraph operator and was stationed in London, England in 1944-45. Upon returning to Canada, her and Cliff settled in Winnipeg first in St Vital and finally in Charleswood on Bowhill Lane, where they raised their family and put down roots. Rosemary was an active mom with four children. She was a member of Charleswood United Church, as well as the Charleswood Legion. From a very early age, Rosemary dreamed of being an artist. She constantly drew pictures to give to friends and relatives, following her creative talents. In 1969, she was admitted to the University Of Manitoba School Of Art where she completed a four year degree in Fine Arts with Honours. Rosemary was a prolific artist, who worked on large canvasses with emotive colours and strokes. Her early works were documentary in nature, capturing the surrounding landscape, people and situations. She later evolved her style into large bold abstract canvasses of brilliant colours and provocative images. She was the recipient of many awards including the Canada Council, and was a member of several artists' organizations in Canada. Her works have been exhibited widely across Canada and the rest of the world. They represent her unique view of the world, as she broke what she saw into fragments and reassembled it on her canvasses. Rosemary's funeral service was held on Friday, October 20 at 1:00 p.m. in Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg, where she worshipped for over 45 years. Interment followed in Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Ave., Winnipeg, where she was laid to rest beside her husband, Clifford in the Veterans Field of Honour. In 2004, her health required her to live at Deer Lodge Centre, where she received wonderful care from Maureen and her staff in Tower 4. We are grateful for their quality and professionalism as Rosemary's health declined. Mother, artist, soldier, faithful servant of God. A proud Canadian and a loyal friend. She will be missed by all. VICHNAYA PAM'YAT In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rosemary's memory to the Salvation Army, 500 55 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1L8. Rosemary's arrangements have been entrusted to the Family Owned Funeral Chapel of: WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2006