ELSIE OLESIA KOSOWAN

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ELSIE OLESIA KOSOWAN (nee ORYSCHAK) September 7, 1936 - April 16, 2016 Those who knew Elsie Kosowan all agree she was a special lady with a big laugh, a bigger heart, and a little twinkle in her eye. Elsie left life, as we know it, on the morning of April 16. Her daughter Katherine Kosowan and son-in-law Lyle Stafford, son David (Davis) Kosowan, daughter-in-law Tammy and their daughter Paige, along with Oryschak, Baryliuk, and Kosowan family members, and many, many friends will miss her incredibly. She was born in Tolstoi, Manitoba - the youngest child of Nicholas and Katherine Oryschak. Her parent predeceased her. So too did her siblings and in-laws: Paul Oryschak and wife Minnie, Eugene Oryschak, and wife Anne, Frank Oryschak, Morris Oryschak, and Livia Foy and husband Lloyd. It filled her with sorrow that she also lost nephews Nick Foy, Dennis Oryschak, and niece Debbie Dryman during her lifetime. Her beloved husband Albert Kosowan died in January 2015. During their 55 years together, dancing, music, family and socializing were some of the great pleasures that they shared. Elsie was a woman of profound faith, actively involved in worship and activities at Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Parish, where she and Albert were married in 1959, and where she served her church community in many ways. A daughter, sister, mother, aunty, career teacher, gardener, neighbour, friend, and an award-winning pickle maker, Elsie was many things to many people over the course of her lifetime. Organizations to which she had long-standing connections included: the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada, the St. Vital Agricultural Society, and the South Winnipeg Garden Club. She loved the community garden plot at St. Amant Centre, which she tended for decades. Nature brought her great joy, and she was always excited to see butterflies, birds, bambies and any other creatures who showed up in her St. Vital yard or garden. Except snakes and crows; she did not like snakes or crows. She also loved cooking and feeding family and friends. On many occasions, her smiles spilled into tears of joy when those around her table enjoyed a meal she had prepared. Rosary service will be held on Friday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m., followed by prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Her funeral will be Saturday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. All will be at Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Parish at 965 Boyd Avenue in Winnipeg. Services will be performed by Father Volodymyr Bashutskyy, assisted by Father Taras Kowch - both long-time friends who supported her spiritually, and whose company she enjoyed. Pallbearers will be nephews Darryl Foy, Sid Foy and Frank Foy, brother-in-law Lawrence Kosowan, and friends and invaluable neighbours Lucien Arpin and Jim Canning. Following the funeral, immediate family and those who choose to, will make the journey to Plankey Plains; a small, rural cemetery where her body will rest next to Albert's. Thanks to the many health care professionals involved in her care and treatment over the years. Particular gratitude to Alexis, Heather, Dr. Kowaluk and her regular nurses at CancerCare Manitoba's St. Boniface Unit. Acknowledgement also to the nurses and health care aides on Wards 5E and 6A at St. Boniface Hospital, where Elsie enjoyed her last weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Blessed Virgin Mary Parish or St. Boniface Hospital Foundation. Mom -- we miss you already, but know that Dad and so many others in Heaven have already welcomed you with open arms. We will always love you.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 23, 2016