SONIA “ZANNY” OGIBOWSKI

It is with heavy hearts the family announces the passing of our cherished mother and baba. She passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at the Victoria Hospital at the age of 92.

Sonia will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by her daughters, Gloria (Ken) and Karen (Peter); grandchildren, Brenna, April, Robyn, Jessica, and Cameron; sister Lena; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph Ogibowski, of 36 years; her parents, Anna and Sam Ewasko; and her sister Ollie Lewandoski.

Sonia was born on the family farmstead, near Rackham, Manitoba on September 24, 1930, and was the oldest of three sisters. She attended the Rackham School until working various jobs prior to settling down in Winnipeg. She met the love of her life, Joseph, and they were married on October 7, 1961, before building their life together in St. Boniface. She spent the next years working at Brooke Bond on the switchboard, until the birth of her daughter Gloria in 1967. In 1971, Karen completed the family.

Sonia spent her days taking care of her family. She took pride in her home, sewing clothes for the girls and their barbies, spending hours cooking meals, and spoiling the family with her amazing baking. Friends of the girls loved coming over after school as there was always some sort of homemade treat waiting for them. When not taking care of the family, she turned her attention to her friends and other members of the community. She had an incredible gift of engaging with others, building relationships, and connecting with people through conversation, joy, and laughter. Sonia would talk to anyone who stopped on the sidewalk at her back fence as she worked in her garden. In the grocery store, “Mrs. O” was a favorite customer, and she became a staple within the neighborhood.

Sonia was an active member of St. Thomas More Chapel and Holy Cross Parish, and her faith was incredible and unwavering. Sunday morning mass was something she loved attending, always sitting in the same pew, and singing hymns. She loved to stay for coffee after mass to chat with her fellow parishioners, sharing in faith and community.  Then home she went to prepare her famous Sunday morning waffles.

Other hobbies and activities that Sonia enjoyed doing included bowling, playing card games with friends and family, Thursday night bingo at Holy Cross, and road trips with Joe and friends for a weekend of luck at a few nearby casinos. But every summer when the girls were young, two weeks were spent with the family, along with her sisters and their families, going camping up north. It was there where the joy of being surrounded with those she loved really shone through.

Sonia had two sons in laws, Ken, and Peter, and she welcomed them into her family as though they were her own. She appreciated their love and support of her girls and how they took care of them, as well as her. Sonia was blessed with five beautiful grandchildren. Being able to spend time with them and watch them all grow into amazing young adults was a blessing and she was so proud of what they have accomplished and who they have become. When they were younger, she was fortunate to take care of Brenna and April, at what was known as Baba’s Daycare House, when Gloria went back to work. This added much laughter into her life, and created memories that would last forever. She loved her ‘Birthday Present’ and ‘Goo-lash Baby’ more than anything. Robyn ‘Robby in the Tubbie”, Jessica “Jessie” and Cameron completed her family circle. She was so excited to visit them in Omaha and meet her first grandson. Eighteen years later, every time she saw Cameron, she would always comment in surprise at tall he had grown, and how deep his voice had become. When back in Winnipeg, the three of them enjoyed her chicken noodle soup with carrots, grilled cheese sandwiches and goldfish crackers. Nothing tasted better.

Sonia instilled the importance of family in her girls. Because of that, all birthdays, holidays, and special events were celebrated together as one big extended family. Christmas dinners and Easter at the farm were a couple of her favourites. Those times will always be cherished, and the tradition of togetherness will continue as the family moves forward. In her last years, Sonia spent time quietly with her immediate family. Visits with her at the personal care home, walks throughout the neighborhood, watching Family Feud together, playing crib or crazy eights, painting her nails, or family gatherings on the grounds became treasured time for her. She enjoyed hearing what was going on with the family and loved seeing all the photos of her extended family via Facebook. 

The family would like to extend our thanks to the staff at Victoria Hospital, and the St. Norbert Personal Care Home for all their compassionate care provided.

The celebration of Sonia’s life will be on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Roman Catholic Parish of St. Timothy (135 John Forsyth Road). Viewing will take place at 10:30 am. A luncheon will follow, and Interment will be held at St. Boniface Cemetery (917 Archibald Street).

As baba would often say “The Sun shines on good people”. We love you Momma, and Baba. Goodbye and God Bless you forever.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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