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ELEANOR HELEN ANN KOWALEWICH
Born: Jun 13, 1939
Date of Passing: May 10, 2015
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to Winnipeg Humane Society
ELEANOR HELEN ANN KOWALEWICH Eleanor was born on June 13, 1939, and was raised and educated in Winnipeg. She loved school and learning, and felt her childhood was happy and her teenage years more than wonderful. She graduated from the former Manitoba Normal School and from the University of Manitoba with degrees in Arts and Education. She had a fulfilling teaching career within the Seven Oaks School Division for 32 years. She taught primary grades and later on, kindergarten. Long after she retired she was delighted to encounter former students, now mature adults, or their parents at shopping centres and restaurants. She seemed to always be recognized and acknowledged and enjoyed hearing of their successes, careers, marriages and school memories. She was fondly remembered as "Mrs. K". Eleanor's life was well lived and well travelled. With her husband she enjoyed many trips and cruises. They started travelling when young and continued well into their 70s. Trips to Europe, Ukraine, Russia, most of Canada and much of the U.S.A. Cruises to Alaska, up the Volga and Dneiper rivers, and most special of all, a 50th Anniversary Cruise on the Danube from Amsterdam to Budapest. Eleanor always returned with beautiful objects to display in her home from their many vacations. The deep and abiding love she felt for her husband, her son Val, and her daughter-in-law Shelly was the drawing force in her life. She frequently stated that the one thing she did "absolutely right" in her life was to marry Vic. Trust, Strength, Security and Love - They had it all. They had a life together many would envy and wish for. As a mother, her love for Val and Shelly was unwavering. They were a delight to be with and filled her life with much laughter, and love, and good times. They always remembered special occasions with beautiful floral arrangements and sentimental and/or funny, crazy cards that Eleanor kept and treasured. One Mother's Day card in particular described her best! "Life Coach and Personal Strategist Nutritional Counselor Personal Historian Lifelong Advisor Peacekeeper Motivational Speaker And available all hours of the day and night" She was that and more! Eleanor had many little passions in life that she faithfully indulged in. She knew how to make time for herself. In no particular order she enjoyed: doing crossword puzzles, listening to classical music, compiling memorable photo albums, tending her many houseplants, arranging floral bouquets, eating nuts and chocolates, making muffins, playing cribbage with Vic, and, the decorating and re-decorating of her home which never stopped!! She was a voracious reader, rarely watched TV, and disliked the computer though she managed to be proficient in using it! She was a complex and unique woman - intelligent, creative, opinionated, honest and compassionate. Being a rather private person, she rarely exposed her vulnerable, romantic side, her super organized and perfectionist self, though she never denied who she was if it was brought to her attention. Eleanor battled with cancer with perseverance and poise, but eventually with a bit of defiance, first with (CLL) leukemia and a blessed remission of several years and then with pancreatic cancer where she made a personal choice to hopefully go "quietly into the night", instead of a course of difficult, brutal treatments when the odds for survival were very slim. She was a believer in euthanasia for those with terminal illnesses, to spare agony, pain and despair for oneself and loved ones. She was strong willed, courageous and quite frankly, "amazing" with how she dealt with "lifes' cruel curves" as she called them. Eleanor leaves to celebrate her life and remember her, in memorable, happy times her beloved husband of 54 years, Victor, her engaging son, Val-Michael and her beautiful daughter-in-law, Shelly. She also leaves behind her brother Terry Zurawecki, his family, nephew Stephen (Jolene) and their children, Emerson and Birckley, niece Tracy (Nick) Giancola and son Marco. Extended family members in Winnipeg, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario include many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and their families. They all in their own ways past and present made Eleanor's life brighter. We would like to thank all of Eleanor's caregivers, especially Dr. Patricia Glendenning Pittman for all her concern and care, Dr. Dhaliwal of CancerCare, Doctors Loiselle and St. Gerrard of Palliative Care. All of the Palliative Care Day Nurses who visited Eleanor at home, and especially Liz and Jennifer, who were so helpful during Eleanor's last days at home. Much as Eleanor loved flowers, in lieu of such, consider a donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society, or a charity of your choice, or, a beautiful bouquet for someone you love. Eleanor passed away on May 10, 2015. Cremation has taken place and Eleanor requested no formal funeral be held. However, to acknowledge her well lived life, there will be a gathering for family and friends to reminisce over old and better times on Friday, May 15 at the Canad Inns, Garden City Inn - Ambassador Room A from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 pm.
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 13, 2015
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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Dear Vic & Family, So sorry to hear of Eleanors' illness & passing. I don't know how we missed it till today. We have great memories of family get togethers long ago @ Hecla & Wpg. Sorry we missed the afternoon tribute.....I know what pain you're going through right now, as you know. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Love,Pat & Family. - Posted by: Pat Sedun (cousin through marriage) on: Jun 01, 2015
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Our deepest condolences to Vic and his family, you are all in our prayers. - Posted by: Paul and Suzann Munroe (Co-worker of Vic's) on: May 19, 2015
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Victor, So very sorry to hear of Eleanor's passing. My warmest thoughts for you and your family. - Posted by: Barb Strange (Co-worker of Vic's) on: May 19, 2015
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Victor, We are so sorry to hear of Eleanor's passing, and want to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your son, Val and his wife. Eleanor was always the most beautiful and classy woman we had ever met. We thoroughly enjoyed our time spent at your house when we had our little xmas get togethers and were always pleased to see the two of you when Danny curled in the MCA. The world is a much smaller place without her. Take care my friend. - Posted by: Evelyn and Danny Ramsdell (Co-workers of Victor's) on: May 19, 2015
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Dear Val, I was very sorry to learn of your mom's my favourite elementary teacher's passing! All the years that have passed and I still cherish fond memories of Mrs. K and our school years together! Keep strong and my prayers are with you and your family! Natalie - Posted by: Natalie Luch (friend) on: May 19, 2015
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Val, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family. - Posted by: Rosana Montebruno (Friend) on: May 16, 2015
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I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and you family. - Posted by: Dick Blais (Gym friend of Vic) () on: May 15, 2015
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So very sorry to hear of Eleanor's passing. I have fond memories of the entire family and I will always remember Eleanor's zest for life and her family. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Lisa Belkin (friend) on: May 15, 2015
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Val, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take Care - Posted by: Lenny Kwasiuk (Friend) on: May 13, 2015
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Eleanor and I had great times together in our mid, late teens and very early 20's. Even though we hadn't seen each other in years (I moved out East), our Christmas and Birthday cards and some v-e-r-r-y long phone calls, and e-mails kept us in touch. She always has been and always will be my Best Friend. El, you will always be missed. Love, Gerry - Posted by: Geraldine (Gerry) Gemmill (Best Friend) on: May 13, 2015
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Vic so very very sad for your dear loss ... our thoughts and prayers are with you,Val, and Shelly. Sorry we never got a chance to meet such an amazing woman! - Posted by: Karen & Glen Smith (gym buddy to Vic) on: May 13, 2015
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RIP Auntie!! I admired your strength & kindness!! I will think of the memories we shared forever and always!!! Love Nick, Tracy & Marco xoxo - Posted by: Tracy Giancola (Niece) on: May 13, 2015
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Our deepest condolences to Victor, Val and Shelly. Eleanor was a beautiful lady and will always be remembered for the love she showed others. Memories of Trembita days with the Kowalewich family are always present in our minds. Wish we could be there to celebrate her life with you on Friday, but please know we will be thinking of you all and sending hugs! Love Carol & Wally Sawchuk - Posted by: Carol and Wally Sawchuk (Friends of family) on: May 13, 2015
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Val, I am so very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Shelly and your family. RIP Mrs. K. Hugs, Laura Melnyk-Medven - Posted by: Laura Medven (friend of Val's) on: May 13, 2015
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To Victor, Val & Shelly, on behalf of the Pawlyk family our deepest sympathies on the passing of Eleanor, she will be missed. She will be remembered fondly by our family. I remember her as my camp counsellor for the only summer I ever attended. I will remember her infectious laugh and love of a good time and life in general. - Posted by: Nancy Pawlyk (Friend of family) on: May 13, 2015