IRMA CAROLINE OWCZAR

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IRMA CAROLINE OWCZAR (nee PACI) October 13, 1929 - January 27, 2016 With both heavy and loving hearts the family of Irma Owczar announce her peaceful passing in the morning hours of Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at the age of 86 years. Irma was born on October 13, 1929 and spent her early years growing up in Rosewood, Manitoba, in a large family whose lives were dependent on the wealth of the land they worked, and the support her brothers and sisters gave to one another. Following high school education by the Gray Nuns in Ste. Anne, Irma went on to obtain her teacher training and accepted her first teaching contract with Sprague School District in September 1947. It was in this small rural town of Sprague that she met a young man, John, who had only returned to this hometown two years earlier from the battlefields of Holland and France. This romantic beginning began an amazing journey of marriage and family life of 67 years. The life they forged together would not be measured in material gain but was abundant and rich in the life that came from their love and commitment. It was a life of hard work and six children. Irma was able to transform what John's hard labour could provide as well as what their garden and the land could produce into what was needed to allow their family to thrive and never feel without. Irma could stretch a dollar in ways that would inspire most entrepreneurs. We loved, admired and respected her deeply for this. Irma was the moral compass that guided our earlier lives and taught us the value of hard work and commitment. She was the voice of clarity and reason in many ways and made her position clear on many issues, personal or political. She took great pride in preparing meals and hosting all family and friends over the years that made it difficult to leave the table. Irma taught us how to give of oneself freely and to live life fully. Irma is survived by her husband, soul mate and best friend: John; her children: Diane (Jeff), Sharon (Bill), Sandra (Frank), John (Maria), David (Sonia) and Jerald; her sisters: Edith, Florence, Janet, and Joan; her brothers: Jim and Jimmy. Irma has been deeply loved by her grandchildren: Shannon, Kellie, Chad (deceased), Jonathan, Kelsey, Adam and Hannah; and her five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, three brothers, and two sisters. Mass of the Resurrection and celebration will take place on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Christ Our Saviour Catholic Parish, 365 Loewen Blvd., Steinbach, MB, with a private family interment to follow at South Junction Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to a charity of your choice. "Till We Meet Again" Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2016