Obituary of Jean Anne Kowbel

KOWBEL: Jean Anne passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Jean was born on May 13, 1941 in Virden, Manitoba to Nicholas and Anna Kowbel (Czekan). She was the fifth born of six siblings. Jean was predeceased by her mother Anna, father Nicholas and sister Julie. Left to mourn are her brother Michael of Forrest, sisters Mary of Forrest and Cathy of Winnipeg, brother Danny and wife Pat of Forrest, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. Jean was born in Virden, MB, living on the farm in Oak Lake. At the age of two, her family moved to the current family farm. Jean took her education in Forrest and completed her high school at St. Michael's Academy in Brandon. While still employed, she received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg. After retirement, she received her Master of Arts in Slavic Studies from the University of Manitoba, and summer studies of the Ukrainian language in Lviv, Ukraine. After graduating from St. Michael's Academy, Jean moved to Winnipeg, where she and her sister, Cathy, shared an apartment. After working at the Bank of Nova Scotia and the federated co-op, Jean got a good lead for employment with the Federal government, Department of Transport, in airport control (personnel), which took her to her retirement. Jean's special interests were travelling, curling, camping and fishing, reading, sewing and cross stitching. She loved all animals, big and small, wild and tame, but her favourites were her cats... Grandpa and Tiger. There are many fond memories of Jean. One thing that we will always remember was at Christmas time, and her bags of candies and nuts that she prepared for each loved one. We also will never forget her impeccable sense of style. Always looking polished no matter what! And Jean's sense of humour…was like no other. She was a member of the Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish of Winnipeg up until her untimely passing. Jean also volunteered at the Winnipeg Opera. After retirement, she volunteered for the Ukrainian Catholic Chancery of Winnipeg and with the Progress newspaper, where she did proof reading and translations. Prayers were held at Brockie Donovan Funeral Chapel in Brandon. Divine Liturgy was held at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Brandon, on Saturday, September 3, 2016 with Rev. Michael Tkachuk as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jean may be made to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200-17th Street East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7M6, or the Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1001 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3M 1Y3, or a charity of your choice.