AGNES SOPHIA BILOWUS (DOHAN)

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AGNES SOPHIA BILOWUS (nee DOHAN) After a long, difficult battle Agnes Sophia Bilowus passed away peacefully on August 8, 2010. She is survived by her caring and devoted husband John; daughters Leanna (Rob) Obirek and Lisa (Glenn Oleksuk); grandchildren Andrew and Sophia Obirek; brother Ivan (Tillie) Dohan; sister Marie Dohan; brother Don (Margaret) Dohan; sister-in-law Doreen Dohan; several nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives. She was predeceased by her parents Peter and Sophie Dohan; brothers Stephen and Eugene, and niece Shelley Dohan. Agnes was born at her home in rural Gilbert Plains, MB on June 24, 1940. She graduated from Brickburn School in 1958 and went on to teacher's college in Brandon, MB. Her studies led her to a teaching job at the Whitmore School in Dauphin, MB. On July 18, 1963 Agnes and John were married. The 1960s were difficult for women in that they were often forced to choose either a family or a career - fortunately for us, she chose a family. Raising a family and keeping house was a full time job for Agnes. If she wasn't tending her garden, she was baking, sewing and taking care of everyone else. As Agnes got a bit older, her creative side began to shine. Agnes could make anything - be it a doll's outfit, costumes for a play, or even a backyard spa for baby ducks. The more difficult the challenge, the more determined she became. Once her daughters went to school in Winnipeg, Agnes really felt the empty nest syndrome. So after John retired, they made the decision to leave Dauphin and retire to Winnipeg in 1993. Agnes was in her element - she was close to her family and was able to explore what Winnipeg had to offer. She found a new love in embroidery and completed many absolutely stunning pieces. They are truly works of art and we will always treasure them. We would like to thank the staff at the Victoria Hospital E.R. and Palliative Care Unit for their endless care and kindness towards us in our time of need. Truly, angels walk among us. Prayer service will be held Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 7:00 at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg, MB. Divine Liturgy will be officiated by Rt. Rev. Canon Walter Klimchuk and Father Ernest Hafichuk on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 202 Harcourt Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice. We will miss you Agnes, your big brown eyes, your gentle soul. We will miss you forever. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 10, 2010