ANNE (SICZKAR) FOWLER

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ANNE (SICZKAR) FOWLER Our family suffered a tremendous loss in the early morning hours of October 22, 2015 with the passing of the woman we were proud to call Mom, Grandma, and 'GG'. To others, she was affectionately known as 'friend'. Mom began her life in Thunder Bay, in what was originally Port Arthur. Her parents, Michael and Lucy Yozipovic, raised her and her three siblings, Mary, Tony, and Amy in a home filled with love, laughter, and simple but good times. In the mid 1940s, Mom met and fell in love with William (Bill) Siczkar and they began their married life together on February 15, 1947. As a young couple in post war times, Mom and Dad worked diligently to establish a business in their neighbourhood known as Queen Street Grocery and Confectionery. To this day, generations of neighbours still speak fondly of their times dropping by the store to get their groceries or to spend their pennies or nickels on some candy or other treasures. No matter the circumstances, Mom and Dad worked hard, enjoyed family life, and loved one another deeply. However, on Christmas morning, 1970, Dad suffered a sudden heart attack and life changed dramatically. As a young widow left with their teenaged daughter, Mom's determination and strength of character prevailed as she made a new life for herself. She sold the business and with her daughter, moved to a new home. She began a career with the City of Thunder Bay Telephone Company. Although in a rewarding new job and surrounded by family and friends, Mom still missed the companionship of a loving partner. After years of being on her own and with the encouragement of some girl friends, Mom finally ventured out to an event one evening and it proved to be one of the best nights of her life. She was blessed to have found the second love of her life in another wonderful man, Thomas Kenneth (Ken) Fowler. They were married on June 30, 1978 and had an adventurous, loving life together until his passing on February 16, 2006. Mom found time outside of work and home responsibilities to participate in a variety of things over the years. She was a lifetime member of the Croatian Home Society, a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary to the Port Arthur Girls' Pipe Band, and the Catholic Women's League. She enjoyed years of fitness classes and ballroom dancing and always encouraged the family to keep active. Most important to her, all her life, was her family. She rewarded us with years of love, caring, wisdom, and good times. Whether near or far, she could be consulted for advice on life.or just a baking or stain removal suggestion! Her strength, determination, and sense of style remained with her until the end, even as the difficult days of her illness over the last ten months became challenging. We were so thankful that in the summer of 2013, we finally managed to convince Mom that she needed to move to Winnipeg to be near us. We were able to care for her as she had done for us throughout her life. She was not only able to join us on a day-to-day basis, but was there to celebrate with us on many special occasions. A legacy of love, integrity, and respect has been left to those of us who called her Mom - daughter Janice and son-in-law Robert Sharpe, stepson Trevor and daughter-in-law Patricia Fowler; Grandma - Erin (Sharpe) and Wade Harms, Ashley Sharpe, David and Sarah Fowler, and Claire Fowler; Great Grandma (GG') - Cameron, Liam, and Elliot Harms. Our family gives thanks to all those who loved and cared for Mom and those who invited her into their lives, not only most recently, but throughout her many years. She was so appreciative and believed that you were wonderful! As a tribute to Mom, please consider making a contribution, in her name, to a charity of your choice, or consider donating blood. The Funeral Mass and celebration of Mom's life will be held on Friday, October 30, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Mother of the Church, 85 Kirkbridge Drive, Winnipeg with Father Kevin Bettens officiating. A private family internment will be held at a later date in Thunder Bay. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 24, 2015