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The Canora Courier 19 August 2009
Canora Courier, August 19, 2009 Page 19 KOWAL:
Ola (Stratychuk) Kowal 1912 - 2009. Ola Mary Kowal (nee Stratychuk) passed
into the loving arms of her Lord and Saviour at the age of 96 on July 23, 2009
at St. Ann's Nursing Home. She is looking, down onus from heaven
with her husband, Michael: parents, William and Mary Stratychuk (nee Ochitwa);
and daughter-in-law, Helen Kowal (nee Franchuk). Ola
was born on December 15, 1912 and was raised near Canora, SK. A woman ahead of
her time, Ola set an example for her children and grandchildren by attending
the University of Saskatchewan, receiving a B.Sc in 1931 and post-graduate
teacher training at a time when few women attended post-secondary
institutions. Ola was the second Ukrainian woman to graduate from the U of S.
She began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse near Cudworth, SK and taught for
many years in Canora until her retirement in 1973. Ola married Michael Kowal
in 1939 and settled in the Canora area, where they raised their sons and
became active participants in the church and community. Ola was recognized
with a Nation Builder Award from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (Saskatchewan
Provincial Council) in 1998 to mark her contributions to the development of
the Ukrainian community in Saskatchewan. She was elected the first president
of the Canora Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada in 1946, and led
members in raising funds for charity, church building, camps and cultural
displays. In addition, Ola was involved to varying degrees in numerous other
Ukrainian Catholic and cultural organizations throughout the years. Ola moved
to Saskatoon in 1977 and in 1987 became one of the first residents of St.
Volodymyr Villa, a community in which she was extremely proud to live. Ola was
an avid reader, enjoying a variety of books and the daily newspaper. She
acquired and perfected a variety of skills and pastimes over the years,
including crocheting, cross-stitching, and baking traditional desserts, her
own favourite indulgence being anything chocolate. Throughout her life, Ola
enjoyed the company of numerous dogs and remembered them all, even in her
senior years. Left
to cherish memories and celebrate Ola's life are her children, Neil Kowal of
Calgary, AB and Modest (Mary Anne Kowbel) Kowal of Saskatoon, SK;
grandchildren, Jamie (Kelly) Kowal and John Kowal of Calgary, AB, Johanna
(Murray Dietrich) of Edmonton, AB, Alicia (Graeme Carey) of Saskatoon, SK, and
Justin Kowal (fiancée Lauren Dickson), and Katherine Kowal of Saskatoon, SK;
great grandchildren, Rebecca and Stephen Dietrich, and Isabella and Alexandria
Carey. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Ann's Nursing Home for
their unwavering kindness and diligent care. Prayers
for Ola were offered on Sunday, July 26, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. by Rt. Rev. Fr.
Andrew Muzyka. Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rt. Rev. Fr. Andrew Muzyka on
Monday, July 27, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. Both services were held at St. Volodymyr
Villa Chapel, 3102 Louise Place, Saskatoon , SK. The Graveside Service
officiated by Rev. Fr. Joakim Rac took place at the Canora Cemetery, Canora,
Saskatchewan. In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation to St. Volodymyr Villa Corporation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences to the family may be sent by email to park@arbormemoriaLcom. Arrangements entrusted to Gregory M. Lalach of PARK FUNERAL CHAPEL, (306) 244 2103. |
