VERA N. L. WATOWICH (ZAROWSKI)

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VERA N. L. WATOWICH (nee ZAROWSKI) Vera Watowich, age 84 years, born in Winnipeg to John and Anna Zarowski, passed away at home October 21, 2012 in Lakewood, Colorado with husband Stanley and family by her side. She completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of Manitoba. She became the first woman lecturer/researcher in the School of Medicine's Department of Bacteriology. Vera was a pioneer and leader in founding the Ukrainian Canadian Students' Union (SUSK), which continues today as the coordinating body of Ukrainian-Canadian students at different post-secondary institutions across Canada. She served as its first President from 1953 to 1958 and always maintained pride in her Ukrainian-Canadian heritage. Following her marriage to Stanley in 1957, she soon left Winnipeg for the Dominican Republic to support her geologist husband in his career. They travelled and lived in many remote communities before settling in Lakewood in 1991. Her endless love for learning led to diverse studies in the Spanish language, accounting, interior design and computer science. Vera's lifelong passion for teaching was evident through her involvement in her children's education and their extra-curricular activities. Later in life she returned to education as a librarian and computer teacher. After retiring she taught reading/writing as a volunteer to elementary students. Vera will be remembered as a mom, baba and "angel in disguise". She is survived by her husband Stanley, of 55 years, six children, 24 grandchildren and Winnipeg residents: sister-in-law Mildred Zarowski; nieces Cathy Bowman and Lynn Kulbaba; and nephew Peter Harrison. A memorial prayer service will take place Thursday, November 1 at 8:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated Friday, November 2 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Volodymyr and Olga Cathedral, 115 McGregor Street. Interment will follow in the Zarowski family plot at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Vera's name to your favourite educational charity. The obituary can also be viewed at www.cropo.com 204-586-8044
Publish Date: Oct 31, 2012

VERA N. L. WATOWICH (nee ZAROWSKI) On Sunday, October 21, 2012, Vera born to John and Anna Zarowski in Winnipeg, passed away at the age of 84 years at her house in Lakewood, Colorado. A prayer service will be held Thursday, November 1 at 8:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, November 2 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Volodymyr and Olga Cathedral, 115 McGregor Street. A longer obituary will follow in Wednesday's edition. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-586-8044
Publish Date: Oct 30, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2012