MARIE KOWALCHUK (KOKOTAILO)

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MARIE KOWALCHUK (nee KOKOTAILO) Surrounded by her loving family Marie passed away peacefully on March 12, 2004. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of nearly 64 years, Fred, daughter Bonnie (Oleh) Gerus, grandchildren Helene (Paul) Lucko, Andrew, Roman and her precious great-granddaughter Laryssa. She will be sorely missed by her sister-in-law Kay Lusk and her children David and Doreen and their respective families. Her oldest friend Myros Paiuk will feel her loss greatly. Marie was born on August 2, 1919 in Winnipeg where she graduated from Isaac Newton High school. Her entire social and community life revolved around her parish, the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mary the Protectress. There she sang in the church choir, belonged to the youth group, and after marriage actively participated in the ladies auxiliary supervising the kitchen, convening the teas and advising the youth club (NA VARTI). She enjoyed bowling with the Boyan bowling league. It was also at the parish that she met Fred Kowalchuk from Rainy River, Ontario, whom she married in 1940. Later when Fred established his own business, Buffalo Industries, Marie helped to manage it. A generous and compassionate person, Marie volunteered her services to her parish and to the Ukrainian community, especially UCEC - Osederok. But her greatest joy in life involved her family, especially her grandchildren, in whose upbringing she played an important part and who always returned her affection for their beloved Baba. Most recently, her precious great granddaughter was the focus of her attention. Although Maries health declined in recent years, her spirit remained strong. Most recently she resided with Fred at the St. Norbert Personal Care Home and the family extends its gratitude to its staff for their care. Prayers will be held on Monday, March 15, 8:00p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 16 at 11:00am at St. Mary the Protectress Cathedral, 820 Burrows Ave, with Rev. Fr. Jaroslaw Buciora officiating. Interment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Andrew Gerus, Roman Gerus, Paul Lucko, David Lusk, Michael Zurek and Oleksa Balko. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in Maries memory to the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mary the Protectress, St. Andrews College, or Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre - Osederok. Vichnaya Pamyat CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2004