EUNICE EUGENIA FABAS (COVLICK)

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EUNICE EUGENIA FABAS (nee COVLICK) Born: October 24, 1923 Date of Passing: November 3, 2017 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear mom, surrounded by family, on November 3, 2017. Left to forever cherish her memory are her loving daughters, Bernice Tulyk (Fred), Paulette Devereux (Ed), Mildred Nixon (Dan), Gail Sinclair (Jim), Lori Fabas-Martin (Larry), and her only son, Gene Fabas (Debra); as well as her grandchildren, Tanya, Travis, Daniel, Dana, Jason, and great-grandson Alex. She was predeceased by her husband and love of her life, Paul Fabas on November 17, 2008. She was born in Winnipeg on October 24, 1923, where at a very young age she grew up, together with her younger brother, Jack Covlick, at Marymound Orphanage. Separated from her brother, she was later raised in a religious setting at St. Agnes Priory School, a convent school for girls. At 17 years of age she lived and worked on her own. In January 1943, during the Second World War, she joined the Canadian Women's Army Corp (CWAC) at 19 years of age. Mom took her basic training in Kitchener, Ontario and was later stationed in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She worked in the motor pool painting armoured tanks and trucks. She travelled back to Winnipeg and applied for discharge in September of 1945. In 1946 on a summer day, she met a young Army soldier playing baseball in the park. This handsome young man tossed the ball towards the park bench where she sat, in hopes of meeting the pretty brunette. They began "courting" and soon became husband and wife, being married at St. Mary's Cathedral on June 21, 1947. Together they began a family of six children, residing in West Kildonan then later to their home of almost 40 years, in Elmwood. Dad was a member of the West Kildonan Legion, which entitled Mom to participate in events. She often marched in the Legion parades as a clown handing out candy to all the children. Her clowning around and sense of humour was certainly passed on to us kids. We learned the importance of "laughter is the best medicine". She taught us to never forget to have fun in life and to continue being a kid at heart. Mom had a passion and incredible talent for all things arts and crafts, especially dolls and flowers. She worked at Manitoba Clothing for a number of years making gowns for weddings. She later worked at Carlson's Florist, eventually owning her own business, "Mum's Unique Boutique". Her specialty was creating floral arrangements for weddings, graduation and Christmas. In the 1970s she won many awards and ribbons for her creations. Mom had a love for dolls as she never had one as a child. This led her to dedicate one year making, in great detail, one hundred dolls which she donated to the Children's Hospital. She was interviewed on the news which was a humbling time for her and yet another proud moment for her family. As well, when Christmas time rolled around, she handmade dozens of stuffed toys of all varieties, each with a little candy cane attached, and donated them to the less privileged children to be sure they all had a toy and treat to open on Christmas morning. In her retirement, you could find Mom in her craft room creating and painting. She was always up for a game of Gin Rummy, Yahtzee or Cribbage. She enjoyed her jigsaw puzzles, crosswords and Sudoku. For years she was a member of a bowling team at Billy Mosienko Lanes and a member of the Bronx Treasure Hunters metal detector club where she enjoyed countless adventures and the thrill of the hunt. Mom and Dad's love of camping in their trailer took them all over Manitoba and Saskatchewan, which they enjoyed well into their late 70s. Mom's greatest pride and treasure was without a doubt her family. She was a selfless soul and all who knew her admired her. She taught us unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness, confidence, great strength and even a little stubborness. Her faith and "one day at a time" belief showed us all things work out in the end the way they are meant to be. A special thank you to the nurses and care aides at River East Personal Care Home. Sherri, Louise, Bev, Andrea and Wayne, we cannot thank you enough for taking such gentle care of our mom. We are forever grateful. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring/Summer of 2018. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Children's Wish Foundation, Children's Hospital or Animal Rescue of your choice. Mom, the hole you left in our hearts will never be filled but we take great comfort knowing you and Dad are back together. Until we meet again.....We Love You.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 10, 2017