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Violet Kowalker

Image by Nick Andréka

VIOLET KOWALKER

(née HOUSTON)

September 15, 1932 - April 17, 2021

Vi passed peacefully in the Grace Hospital. She leaves to mourn and to cherish her life, daughters, Bev (Gus) and Paula (Alan); son Allan (Sue); sister-in-law Shirley; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

 

Vi was predeceased by her husband Len; sister Sybil (George); brother George (Rita); brother-in-law Richard; and daughter-in-law Marylin.

 

Vi was raised in the North End, and attended St. John's High School. She married Len, raised her family, and worked as office manager of Elmwood Plumbing. She and Len lived for the cottage at Big Whiteshell Lake, and loved every minute they could be there together. After Len passed, she continued to enjoy the lake with her family, 56 years all told. She loved watching the birds. Many card games, political "discussions" and a few drinks were the usual fare.

 

Vi served as Girls Sports Rep at Melrose Park Community Club and President of River East Ringette. At Saint Stephen's Anglican Church, she was involved in the Altar Guild, Handy Crafters, Treasury and made many friends.

 

Vi along with Fran Vannevel, Jean Morris and a core group of ladies, kept the Fuddle Duddle Bridge Club weekly games on for 40 years. These players also volunteered often and were known at United Way as the best volunteers ever.

 

Cecilia Connelly was a special friend and there was nothing Cec wouldn't do for Mom. She was very fond of dinner with the Widow's Club and really enjoyed her daily chats with Tracy Peacock.

 

Mom loved her family very much. She told it like it is and taught us all about grammar, the old sayings, right from wrong and fact from fiction. She will be deeply missed.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Way.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Shannon

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I am honored to know Mrs Kowalker and her family for 47? Years. Mrs Kowalker was generous, supportive and loved being around family and friends. I cherish the times i was invited out to the cottage and how she made me feel like family, and i appreciated the times she stepped in to correct me when my mom wasn't there... couldn't hide from her on Cameo!  Ill miss the many times she invited my dog and I into visit. The times we just sat watching the loudest tv ever, while she finished a cross word!  My deepest sympathies to the family.  I love her!  Shannon

Shelley Morris

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I was so sorry to hear of Vi’s passing. Outside of family, Vi was the last person my mom, Jean Morris, spoke to a week before she passed in February. So fitting after almost 50 years of weekly bridge games! (Vi corrected me that it was 50 years, not 40 years). She was a good friend to my Mom and they shared a lifetime of experiences-good and not so good.  Known for speaking her mind and never one to mince words! I will remember her kindness and candour.  Here’s hoping they have a bridge game going right now.  My condolences to the family. Shelley Morris 

Eileen

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Mrs. Kowalker was a force to be reckoned with.  She was always front and centre when there was someone or something that needed correction.  She kept the Thursday night bridge ladies entertained and on their toes. You always knew where you stood with her.  When I drank poison as a toddler she stepped in, saying,  “Fran, if they said give her milk, then *$#& give her milk!!! My mom wasn’t sure if I would die from the poison or drowning while Vi  poured  milk down my throat.  It turned out  “neither”.  Thanks to your mom I’m still here. She was a good friend to my mom and a memorable lady. In this life she always said her piece. Now she can rest at peace.   Eileen Goertz

Shelley Morris

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Love this photo of Vi, Jean and Fran from 1997 trip to Grand Canyon. Doesn’t get any better! Shelley
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