GABRIELLE HOWIKA

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GABRIELLE HOWIKA (formerly BRODEUR) (nee BALLEGEER) Our dear mother passed away November 24, 2010 at 93 years of age. She died as she lived, with courage, dignity and strong faith. Gabrielle Marie Howika was born in Mariapolis, MB, in 1917, the daughter of Adolph and Emilie Ballegeer. Mom was raised on the farm in Mariapolis and went to school in Dry River, lots of Mom's fondest memories were of those times. Mom had two marriages, first to Arthur Brodeur and had five children, Violet, Robert, Diana and Doreen (twins) and Denise. Second marriage to Paul Howika and raised two more children, Ken and Iona. Mom moved to Winnipeg from the farm in 1942, where she raised her family and started working at many domestic jobs. Mom devoted her life to her family and to helping others, her door was always open. She was famous for her cabbage rolls and giant cinnamon buns. Mom's other love was being one of Jehovah's Witnesses and looked forward to the resurrection and life on paradise earth. Mom is survived by her sons, Robert and Ken, daughters, Diana (Cliff), Iona (Bill), 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, sister Beth of Toronto and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by daughter-in-law, Jean, daughters, Denise, Doreen and Violet, sisters, Camilla, Martha, Yvette, Julienne, brother Michelle, and husbands Arthur Brodeau and Paul Howika. The family would like to extend their appreciation to all those who supported Mom during her last very trying months. Mom will be cremated. Service will be held at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 227 Lakewood Blvd., Wednesday, December 1 at 1:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Mom are welcome. Mother a wonderful word That means love. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 27, 2010