SR. MARY EVELYN KOWALCZYK, OSB

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SR. MARY EVELYN KOWALCZYK, OSB (Formerly known as Sr. Leona) Peacefully, with a praying community at her side, Sr. Mary Evelyn went to meet her God at 7:00 p.m. on February 7, 2008 at St. Benedict's Monastery. She was in her 86th year of monastic profession. Sr. Mary Evelyn was born on April 7, 1905 in Browerville, Minnesota to Joseph and Anna (Buhl) Kowalczyk. She was the second oldest of 12 children, two more of whom became members of the Sisters of St. Benedict, Sr. Justina and Sr. Patricia. In 1912 the parents emigrated to Canada settling in Fish Creek, Saskatchewan. Sr. Mary Evelyn came to Winnipeg in 1917 to complete her schooling as a boarder with the Sisters of St. Benedict while attending Holy Ghost School. In July 1920, she entered the Benedictine Community and became a novice in 1921 receiving the name Sister Mary Leona, the name she bore until the early 1970s. She made her monastic profession on October 19, 1922. Though Sr. Mary Evelyn was petite in stature, she shouldered many major responsibilities in the Benedictine Community. She spent 37 years in teaching, several of which she served as a principal; was secretary-treasurer, subprioress, novice and formation director in the Community; member of many Hospital boards, was on the building committee for the Monastery in Winnipeg; Activity Director at St. Benedict's Manor in Arborg; ceramics instructor, and chauffeur for Sisters in Winnipeg. Sr. Mary Evelyn inspired all who lived with her by her gracious hospitality and her faithful and peaceful presence at communal prayer. She loved beauty and could often be found relaxing her mind and body tending her flowering plants, arranging floral bouquets, crocheting or producing her masterful pieces of ceramics. Sr. Mary Evelyn will be lovingly remembered by her Benedictine Community. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Anna Kowalczyk and eight siblings, John, Joseph, Louis, Peter, Sr. Justina (Susan), Anne Onischak, Frances Niedzielski and Albina Onischak as well as by several sisters and brothers-in-law. She is survived by two sisters, Sr. Patricia Kowalczyk, Winnipeg and Barbara Holinaty, Wakaw, Saskatchewan and one brother, Anthony Kowalczyk, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and numerous nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces, nephews and cousins. The Vigil Service will be held on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Benedict's Monastery Chapel, presided by Sr. Irene Burzynski, Prioress. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. presided by Msgr. Louis McCloskey at St. Benedict's Monastery Chapel, with interment following in the Monastery cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Should family and friends so desire, donations may be made in Sr. Mary Evelyn's memory to St. Benedict's Foundation, 225 Masters Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R4A 2A1. The Sisters wish to express their gratitude to Drs. B. Gorski, M. Reda and A. Kuffel and the staff of the Monastery Health Centre for their loving care and support of Sr. Mary Evelyn. May she rest in peace. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 11, 2008