LOUISE KERNATZ

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LOUISE KERNATZ Louise Kernatz died Wednesday, August 4, 2004, after a fierce seven-month battle with cancer. She was surrounded by the love and presence of her family. Louise is survived by her husband of 37 years and best friend, Leon Pewarchuk; son and daughter-in-law Colin and Maria Pewarchuk, and her hearts delight, granddaughter Isabella Louise; daughter Kristen Pewarchuk and Gerhard Peters; her mother Edna Genyk; her three sisters, their husbands and children, Donna-Mae and Ed Burgener, Darren and Bruna Burgener and Adam Burgener and Megan Kelly; Gloria-Jean and Ed Pitts, Jeffrey and Heather Pitts and Jeremiah Pitts; Susan Kernatz and Blaine Massie, Erica and Andrew. Louise was born in Brandon, MB, on February 24, 1942. She grew up in East Kildonan and started her first career after university as a chemist. She had, however, a lifelong talent and passion for children and learning, and this led her to a career as an inner-city school teacher with the Winnipeg School Division. She was devoted to her students. She became involved with the Winnipeg Teachers Association (WTA) to make a difference and to improve "The System." Louise served on and chaired many WTA committees, became the president of the WTA and earned its highest award, The Distinguished Service Award. Louise retired with Leon in June 1998 and together they built their dream home overlooking the Assiniboine River near Treherne, MB. She quickly became a part of her rural community. Louise and Leons home was always an inviting oasis for all of her family, friends and neighbours. Above all, Louise had an unquenching curiosity about the world around her. She was a naturalist, gardener, outdoor explorer, birder, hiker, and was very passionate about natural prairie preservation. Louise loved her cottage at Caliper Lake, ON, and its setting in the Pre-Cambrian Shield. She had a keen interest in early Canadian history and particularly the explorers. From childhood, she shone as a natural leader. She understood the importance of ideas, of exploring them, and of sharing them with others. Louises ever-present smile, warmth and generosity drew people to her. There will be a farewell service to celebrate her life on Wednesday, August 11 at 1:30 p.m. at The Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Ave., Winnipeg, MB. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Louises memory to either of her two favourite charities: World Vision Canada, One World Dr., Mississauga, ON L5T 2Y4, (866-595-5550), or the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave., Room ON 1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, (204-787-4143). Louises family would like to thank Dr. Lotocki and his team.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 09, 2004