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SUSAN CLAIRE BOWEN
Date of Passing: Dec 22, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySUSAN CLAIRE BOWEN (1957 - 2016) Susan passed away Thursday, December 22, 2016 at home. Susan was predeceased by her parents Jim and Dorothy Bowen. She leaves behind her husband Brian Korba; children, Rachel (Blaine), Morgan (Nathan), Kirsten (Justin), and James Korba (Jessica); brothers, Jeremy (Lisa), Tim (Lina), David (Cindy), Steve (Laurel), aunt Geraldine (Geoff); stepmom Diane Graff-Bowen; as well as cousins and nieces. Susan was born in Amersham, England and moved to Selkirk, Manitoba with her family in 1967. After attending Selkirk High she obtained her arts degree, and later a business degree from Red River College. After several years in the insurance industry Susan started with Hiroc in 2004 as V.P. of Western Region; a job she excelled in and found much fulfillment. Thank you Hiroc staff for your love and support. In the first few months of knowing Susan, I knew she was special; when after a huge snow storm, she went out to help one of her elderly neighbours she didn't even know, to shovel snow. She always had a helping word for those she saw in need; and was often referred to as the voice of reason. Susan and I spent many years dancing at various dance venues; and Ballroom Dancing became our favourite outing together. When Susan could no longer dance she took up knitting, making hats for those in need. She became a natural in watercolour painting; many of her works were purchased as a fundraiser for Cascadia, in Vancouver where her cousin William attends. Susan's favourite times were when the kids would get together and reminisce about growing up. She would listen with a contented smile, and marvel at how they each matured in their own way. When the children became independent Susan and I travelled regularly with many trips to Cuba and Mexico, through Canada and the U.S.A., many cruises, several trips to Europe, and China. In the last few years she developed a special bond with her second cousin Sara, which she cherished. I will sorely miss my wife and best friend. Thank you to family and friends for your support, and to Palliative Hospital and Home Care. At Susan's request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers please give to a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 24, 2016
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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My deepest condolences to Brian and all of the family on the passing of Susan. Susan had so most courgage and strength and would rarely talk about her own personal health struggles. She was a wealth of wisdom and freely offered her suggestions. I got to know Susan when she worked at MARSH and then in the last number of years when she was with HIROC. She had a contagious smile! I do hope that the memories of her bring you comfort, peace and remind you of the love she had for each of you. - Posted by: Kristine Hannah (Professional ) on: Jan 05, 2017
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Susan was a great friend and colleague with many wonderful attributes-she was caring, thoughtful and always worked in the best interests of her clients. In October I was able to arrange a visit to see Susan. Despite all of the issues she was dealing with, she was her usual engaging self and we shared some good memories and thoughts about HIROC. Susan brought her background and perspective as a commercial insurance broker to HIROC which was invaluable as she drove us to be better at account management and understanding the client perspective. She was a builder, a leader, a teacher. And I will miss her. - Posted by: Greg King (Co-worker) on: Jan 04, 2017
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My deepest condolences to Susan's family. I had the pleasure as a member of the Board of Directors at HIROC of getting to know Susan over these past number of years. I hope that you are all able to find joy in memories of her and that you find yourselves surrounded by love and family and friends. - Posted by: Remi Ejiwunmi () on: Dec 29, 2016
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Our sincere condolences! Susan was and will always be remembered as one of our "Sisters". - Posted by: Chemo Savvy Dragon Boat Team (Team Member) on: Dec 29, 2016
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I had the pleasure of working with Susan at HIROC. She was a Champion for the interests and values of our Western Canadian Subscribers. I doubt that I will soon see another person with her positive attitude and work ethic. Never to be forgotten. - Posted by: Ed Corcoran (Co-worker at HIROC) on: Dec 28, 2016
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Brian, and family - Please accept my sincerest condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Susan was a phenomenal woman. She was a mentor and one of the greatest people I could have the pleasure of knowing. I am lucky to have known her. I remember how patient she was with me when she was trying to teach me to knit. Of course, with me being left-handed, everything was backwards. We had some good laughs, and I still haven't mastered knitting! - Posted by: Karen (Coworker) on: Dec 28, 2016
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I had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Susan in dealings with her at HIROC and CMEPP (Canadian Medical Equipment Protection Program). Susan was always such a pleasure to speak with and her deep concern for family and friends. She would always ask about my family and how things were going in Healthcare. My deepest condolences to all of Susan's family during this very sad and difficult time. - Posted by: Gord McNamee (Professional) on: Dec 27, 2016
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Dealt with Susan over the years on a professional basis but always felt her warm personal side to be present. My condolences to her family and former colleagues. - Posted by: Bill Keith (Professional) on: Dec 26, 2016
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My sincere condolences to Susan's husband & children. She always spoke of you with sparkling eyes. Working with her was such a pleasure and often blended to sharing stories of her family, career & health. To this day I still use products she recommended as she did extensive research on them. She always coached and guided you to be your best in career, life & family. Susan was such a beautiful soul & will be missed. - Posted by: Tammy Kurytnik (Co-worker & Friend) on: Dec 26, 2016
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Goodbye Susan. As my older sister you played the role to the end. Despite your own difficulties, pain and suffering you were always ready to offer guidance and advice; sometimes wanted, sometimes not. You were quick to judge but equally quick to forgive and move on. After the death of our parents you took on the role as «senior parent» and neither my brothers or myself disputed this self- assumed task. Probably because you many years ago assumed this role when as a three year old, you would steal me from the crib at night leaving Mom in a panic. You offered strength when I was weak, you gave guidance when I was undecided and you led when I was blind. You stayed defiant and stalwart faced with your illness and this to the end. I am convinced that when you left, you told yourself that as an older sister it was your obligation to lead the way. The many challenges I will have to face in the years to come will be daunting knowing that you are not there to tell me I need to re-think things through before leaping or to remind me that I should think of others before deciding. Know that I will continue to make errors but will always be wondering what you might have done differently. I love you and will miss you deeply. - Posted by: Tim Bowen (Brother) on: Dec 26, 2016
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Dear Brian and family, We are so sorry to hear of Susan's passing. Susan was an extraordinary woman: her intelligence, honesty, and determination were only a few of the qualities we so admired. Sincerest sympathy, Perry and Dixie - Posted by: Perry and Dixie-Lee (Friends) on: Dec 24, 2016
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My sincere condolences to Susan's family. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Isabel Vieira (dancing community friend) on: Dec 24, 2016
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Brian, Anneli and I would like to offer our condolences to you and your family. We know how much you will miss Susan and you are in thoughts. Words cannot express the sense of loss. - Posted by: Addy & Anneli (dance studio friends) on: Dec 24, 2016
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Sincere sympathy to Susan's family on your great loss. As the risk manager for a rural RHA I frequently requested & appreciated her help many times. She was always very generous with her time, advice and expertise. I'm sure she will be missed by many friends, family & colleagues. - Posted by: Faye White (Former colleague) on: Dec 24, 2016
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Extending my sincere condolences to Susan's family on your loss. I knew Susan as both a co-worker at HIROC but also as a friend. She was a person of great moral character, dedicated to family and friends and always with a smile. Her career in business was marked with honesty and integrity and with a sincere commitment to doing her best. Susan will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Robert Stewart (Co-worker and friend) on: Dec 24, 2016