OLGA (OLLIE) KOWALSKY (KINGERSKI)

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OLGA (OLLIE) KOWALSKY (nee KINGERSKI) Sadly, we announce the passing of our beloved Ollie on February 11, 2012. Ollie was predeceased by her husband James, sisters Kay, Mary, Tillie, brother Peter, parents John and Anna and her much loved dog Duchess. She is mourned by her sister Maggie, a host of nieces and nephews, and many friends. Ollie was born in Winnipeg on July 11, 1928 but grew up in Carrick, MB. Ollie worked as a sewing supervisor at Globe Bedding in Winnipeg from 1946 to 1983. She was a valued employee and enjoyed her work there. An accomplished seamstress, she also made her own clothes from patterns of her own designs. She met James at a Legion Hall dance in Winnipeg and they enjoyed a long, loving marriage until his death in 1984. Ollie and Jim spent much time at their cottage in Lac du Bonnet, and they took many road trips. After Jim died in 1984, Ollie continued her love of travelling, visiting Hawaii, Israel and many spots in the US and Canada. She loved gallivanting around with her good friend Mildred enjoying trips across the line, coffee outings and other fun. She made many trips to visit her family in Ontario and to the coast to with niece Gloria to visit the Kowalsky side. She looked forward to celebrating the annual Carrick Days each year with niece Marilyn. Family meant everything to Ollie, and she never missed a wedding, funeral, birthday or any other family event and holidays meant phone calls to everyone. She was the keeper of history and great family stories. She loved and supported each family member and celebrated their accomplishments. Ollie's strong Christian faith was her strength and her comfort. She was a devoted and active member of St. Alphonsus Church as well as the Catholic Women's League. Many remember her years of running the perogies sales for the church, overseeing thousands of perogies made and headed to dinner plates. She was an accomplished cook and her perogies and pies were famous. She will be greatly missed by her niece Gloria and family who had the honour and privilege of caring for her in Winnipeg. On behalf of all of Ollie's family, Gloria extends special thanks to good friends Jim and Monica Brechka for all their love and unwavering support to Ollie, and a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Holy Family Home, who cared for Ollie so lovingly. Miriam who shared a special bond with Ollie, Debbie creating some fun for her daily, Delores, Sharon, Diana, wonderful nurses who knew her so well, Kerry and Andrea amazing resources in those last difficult days, Sisters Darleen and Elvira with their spiritual comfort and so many others we know by face and compassion but name escapes. You know who you are and we cannot tell you enough how grateful we are for the love and dignity you offered Ollie and the incredible support given to me and Ollie's out of town family. You truly demonstrated To serve is to love. Services at St. Alphonsus Church with Prayers on Tuesday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m., and Funeral Mass Wednesday, February 15 at 10:00 a.m. Glen Eden in care of arrangements. But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. --Psalm 49:15

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 14, 2012