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OLGA KATHRYN KOWALCHUK (MAZUR)
Born: Jun 27, 1934
Date of Passing: May 25, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryOLGA KATHRYN KOWALCHUK (nee MAZUR) June 27, 1934 - May 25, 2012 It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother and Baba, Olga Kathryn Kowalchuk at St. Boniface Hospital on Friday, May 25, 2012, at the age of 77. She will be sadly missed by her daughters Shelley (Gary) and Michelle (Mykola), grandchildren Talia, Max, Rachel, step-grandchildren Chris (Jessica), Mike (Melissa), Jonathan (Sara) and step-great-grandchild Hayley. She was predeceased by her loving husband Michael, her daughter Cheryl Ann, her sister Lillian Keller and brother Alec. Olga was born in Angusville, Manitoba, on June 27, 1934, youngest daughter of the late John and Jessie Mazur. Though her formative years were spent on the family farm, education and learning were highly valued by her family and her father strongly encouraged her to continue her schooling. She left home to complete high school in Angusville and once she was done she moved to Winnipeg to attend Teacher's College. She began teaching at the age of 19 in Woodnorth, Manitoba. Olga married Michael on October 20, 1956, in Oakburn, Manitoba. Though many women or her time stopped once they had started a family, Olga loved teaching and continued to do so throughout small towns in Manitoba. She taught in Binscarth, at Braddock School, Roger's School, St. John's School and finally in Sandy Lake, while finishing her B. Ed and B.A. through correspondence, night classes and summer school. Throughout these years, Olga was deeply involved in the communities where she taught and in her community of Oakburn. It was these two activities, work and community service that would define her life. Their first daughter, Cheryl Ann was born in 1957, but died in a tragic accident in January of 1961. Though heartbroken, Olga and Mike, went on to have two more daughters Shelley and Michelle, whom they loved deeply. Though juggling life as a very active farm wife, and full-time teacher, she also created a culturally active life for her family. Olga's Ukrainian heritage was extremely important to her, a love that came from her parents. She raised the girls' to sing and play Ukrainian music. Being Ukrainian-Canadian defined her and though she taught many subjects over the years, it was teaching Ukrainian that brought the family to Winnipeg. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1973, and Olga taught in Winnipeg at Morse Place Junior High, while commuting three hours west each weekend to be with her farming husband. She ran two households 200 miles apart for eight years until Mike's retirement from farming in 1981. She continued to teach at Morse Place until her retirement in 1994. Teaching was her paid position, but on moving to Winnipeg, she worked tirelessly at her church, Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral, holding numerous executive positions of the Ukrainian Woman's Association (U.W.A.C.), and on the Church Council. She was Provincial U.W.A.C. Executive Secretary and later President. She was a board member of St. Andrew's College, and a member of the Shevchenko Foundation, the Manitoba Provincial Congress and the Manitoba Council of Women. In 2006, Olga was awarded the National Self-Reliance League of Canada top award for Community Service. Olga was dedicated to her church and these organizations and instilled in her children and grandchildren the same work ethic and volunteerism that was so much a part of her life. We would like to thank all the people who cared for Mom during her illness; Dr. John Mayba; her respiratory doctors: Dr. Bshouti and Dr. Eschen; Dr. Pinnick and all the wonderful, caring people of the Palliative Program and the Palliative Unit staff at St. Boniface Hospital. Your dedication and kindness were so appreciated you are angels. Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, May 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral, 1175 Main Street, Winnipeg. Funeral Rite will be held on Wednesday, May 30 at 10:00 a.m. also at the Cathedral with Co-celebrants Very Rev. Archpriest Gregory Mielnik, Rev. Fr. Eugene Maximiuk and Fr. Alexander Harkavyi. Entombment to follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Donations can be made to Holy Trinity Metropolitan Church or St. Andrew's College, University of Manitoba in honour of Olga's dedication to these organizations. Mom, we will miss you so much; words cannot express it. Vichnaya Pam'yat Memory Eternal. Cropo Funeral Chapel, 586-8044
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2012
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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So sorry to hear about this today. Mrs. Kowalchuk was a teacher that challenged me. She was a warm and spirited instructor that will be missed. - Posted by: Derek Dash (Student) on: Feb 18, 2014
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Dear Shelley, Michelle and families Our deepest sympathy is extended to you. Your mom was an amazing lady and will be remembered fondly by all of us. Our family was lucky to have neighbors like your parents and I (Joan) was lucky to babysit you 2! Always with important instructions from your mom! Her ability to keep learning and giving of herself to help others - an ability we all wish we had. Our thoughts and prayers are with you - and we are thinking that Mae and Olga are probably together catching up on old times! Vichnaya Pam'yat - Posted by: The Chwaluk Family-Joan, Martha, & Taras (Oakburn Neighbors & Friends) on: Jun 07, 2012
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Michelle and Shelley, Our deepest condolences to you and your families at this time. Olga was a dedicated mother and grandmother who was proud of her heritage. She was a believer in giving back to the community and has clearly instilled that sense of service in each of you. Her wisdom and humor will be missed. All our love. - Posted by: Dan, Brandi and Maura Bugera (Calgary) (Long time friends of the family) on: Jun 02, 2012
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Your mother was an amazing woman! She had so much spirit! She and I used to have conversations about the direction that Ukrainian organizations needed to take to be able to survive in today's society. My mother, Stephania, would always chat with her whenever they met at a convention somehwere in Canada. They were like two peas in a pod, and, apparently, would talk for hours!!! On behalf of my mother and father, Stephania and Dmytro Spytkowsky,and myself, please accept our heartfelt condolences. May her memory be eternal. - Posted by: Marijka Spytkowsky (frined) on: Jun 02, 2012
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Olga lived her life with very high standards that I know she passed on to her students. She set high goals for them and made certain that they were reachable, ensuring students' successes. She was a very dear friend to me whilst we were teaching together, always offering advice and sharing personal insights that will remain with me as part of her teachings. My life was enriched with her honest contributions and so i regret her passing very much. She was worth knowing, worth respecting, and she will always be a very special part of my memories. - Posted by: Doug Sparkes (Friend and colleague) on: Jun 01, 2012
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Olga was a wonderful lady with a beautiful soul who was committed to her family and community. We are grateful for all that Olga has done as a member of the Ukrainian Professional and Business Club of Winnipeg. We will miss Olga and treasure great memories of her! Vichnaya Pam'yat! - Posted by: Sylvia Todaschuk (Friend & President of Ukrainian Professional and Business Club of Winnipeg Inc.) on: May 31, 2012
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Dear Shelly & Michelle I always remember your mom as such an uplifting and inspiring lady. She always had a wonderful smile and kind joke to share. She loved her family and was very fond of her husband and children. I will always remember her for the kind, smiling, wonderful, smart lady who we had the gift of knowing and sharing in our lives. God Bless - Posted by: Karen daughter of Nick Kowalchuk (aunt) on: May 29, 2012
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I posted the below on my facebook page a couple of days ago. Alas another passing of my parents generation, My Aunt Olga. She would often refer to myself and her two daughters (Shelly and Michelle) as the "three muskateers" for we three enjoyed a special esprit whenever we shared each others company. Aunt Olga was a strong woman of many talents and strengths, a mother, a farmers wife, a business woman, a teacher, a grandmother, a dedicated member of Her Church. Of late She was battling a debilitating lung condition with her usual good pluck and was up and walking the day before. But a complication of her ill health lead to sudden passing into what our Orthodox Faith would call her final repose. To honour her passing I have posted the below exert from the Ukraine's most famous poet Taras Shevchenko. I think she would appreciate its beauty and its literary significance to Ukranian Culture. Rest well Aunt Olgo - Veechnahyah Palmyaht - Memory Eternal. Nephew Johnny The Haidamaks, excerpt Everything moves, everything passes, and there is no end. Where did it all disappear? From where did it all come? Both the fool and the wise man know nothing. One lives… one dies… one thing blooms, But another has withered, withered away forever… And winds have carried off yellowed leaves, And the sun will rise, as it used to rise, And crimson stars will float off as they used to, They will float afterwards, and you, white-faced one, Will saunter along the blue sky. Taras Shevchenko. “Haidamaky” Lines 1–10 of 2565 - Posted by: John Kowal (Nephew (Parents Marie and Peter Kowal)) on: May 28, 2012
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Dear Shelley & Michelle May the Peace of Christ be with you and your families at this time of sorrow in your lives on the passing of your mother and gradmother, Olga. I grew up in the Angusville area and knew the Mazur family. I remember Olga well from our days at Lakedale country school. Rest in peace dear friend - Vichnaya Pam'yat! - Posted by: Lawrence Luba (Former classmate at Lakedale country school) on: May 28, 2012
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My deepest sympathy and many fond memories of your Mom. May she rest in peace. GOD BLESS - Posted by: Anne Ditz (Neighbour from Oakburn.) on: May 28, 2012
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Shelly and Michelle your mom was an extraordinary woman!! She was always smiling and so full of life!! She will be dearly missed by everyone she met!! May she rest in peace!! - Posted by: Mel, Mike and Hayley (Step Grandchild and Great step grandchild) on: May 28, 2012
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Mrs. Kowalchuk was an incredible teacher! Among many other subjects through my years at Morse Place, I remember her teaching me ceramics during the lunch hour. She was patient, kind and challenged me to do my best always. I recall her getting the classroom's attention by speaking in Ukrainian... we always knew she meant business then! She was a lovely woman I will always remember fondly. My condolences to her family, friends and loved ones. - Posted by: Jodi Dare (Student) on: May 28, 2012
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I remember you fondly as a teacher at Morse Place. Deepest Condolences to your family. Rest in Peace Mrs K. - Posted by: Doreen Reed (Student) on: May 28, 2012
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I remember the gentle spirit and helpful nature of Mrs. Kowalchuk, and will always remember her as an exceptionally special and giving person. She truly was a wonderful teacher. - Posted by: Barb (Student) on: May 28, 2012
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Your mother was a wonderful teacher and friend. She also instilled the importance of Ukrainian culture in me. She taught me not only Ukrainian language in high school, in Sandy Lake, but she also taught the hardships and traditions of the pioneers before us. Vichnaya Pam'yat Olga (Mrs. Kowalchuk). - Posted by: Linda Lewandoski (Former student and friend) on: May 28, 2012
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Olga's family meant the world to her and and she was very proud of them all. May fond memories of your mother and baba sustain you in these most trying times since her passing. - Posted by: Len and Vicki Lazaruk (Friends from Oakburn and Winnipeg) on: May 28, 2012
