Jodi KALINOWICH

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KALINOWICH: Jodi Louise Kalinowich 1980-2013. Jodi was born a leap-year baby in Carberry, Manitoba on February 29, 1980, to Margaret and Bill Kalinowich, the second of three children. She attended R.J. Waugh Elementary School and Carberry Collegiate, from where she graduated in 1998. After working for some time in the community, Jodi obtained a certificate in Office Administration from Assiniboine Community College. She went on to become a Comprehensive Health Care Aide, graduating from ACC in May of 2000. In August of 2000, she was stricken by Multiple Sclerosis. After months of hard work and determination, she was able to return to work as a Support Worker for Spirit Sands Support Services until 2007, when she was unable to continue. With support from her beloved friend Peter, Homecare, and her family, she was able to live at home until she left us on October 19, 2013. From an early age, Jodi enjoyed travelling. Many summers were spent with her family in the car, pulling their camper across the country. She especially enjoyed a trip to the Dominican Republic in 2005. Jodi enjoyed many other activities, particularly watching Peter work on cars and racing at mud bogs, having bonfires, and spending time with family – especially Sundays with her Mom and Dad. She had great perseverance and, until recently, drove her wheelchair back and forth to her parents’ house, to appointments, and up the ramps into the van, so she could go out shopping with her mom and sister, and to attend family events. She had a great sense of humour and looked forward to sarcastic and lively exchanges with whomever crossed her path. Jodi was very proud of Peter’s achievements and took interest in his work in the garage. His many friends always took time to visit with Jodi when they stopped by. Jodi had a special relationship with Peter’s mom, Mary, and enjoyed the time that they spent together. The other most important events in Jodi’s life were the marriage of her sister Kristen to Tyson, whom she thought of as a brother, and the births of her niece Nora and nephew Nolan. She always looked forward to seeing them, and they couldn’t wait to see her also. She was affectionately known to them as “Auntie Wheels”. They would sit on her lap in the wheelchair and immediately take over the controls. There was plenty of laughter and lots of hugs and kisses when Jodi was with the kids. She was as special to them as they were to her. Jodi was predeceased by grandparents Orma Oar, Steve and Anne Kalinowich, and Helene Oar. She is survived by her beloved friend Peter Enns, her parents Bill and Margaret, brother Trevor, sister Kristen (Tyson Fisher), niece Nora, nephew Nolan, Papa (George Oar), Granny (Mary Enns), niece Ava, special friends Al and Joan Merko, and of course Sophie, her pet cat. Also surviving Jodi are several Aunts and Uncles, many cousins, and their families. Flowers are gratefully declined. If so desired, donations may be made in memory of Jodi to either the MS Society or SMD (Society for Manitobans with Disabilities).

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 26, 2013