Obituary of ELIZABETH KOTOWICH

ELIZABETH ALICE KOTOWICH (NEE GERON) On Sunday morning, June 9, 2013, Mum peacefully returned to the arms of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Mum was a resident at Holy Family Home but lived most of her life in East Kildonan. Left to mourn her passing are her sons Walter (Madelaine and grandson Luke), James (Lynne),and Bruce (Jennifer), sister Mary Pyra, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. Elizabeth was predeceased by her father Justyn Geron, mother Anastasia Geron (Zapizotka), husband Edward, brother Peter Geron (Marily), and sisters Anne Prewada (Stephen) and Katherine Geron, and brothers-in-law John Pyra, Walter Kotowich and Ted Kotowich (Sophie). Elizabeth was known to her friends and family members as Liz or Alice. She was born on May 4, 1931 and attended school at Polson School and East Kildonan Collegiate. Growing up in East Kildonan, Elizabeth was an active member at Holy Eucharist Church and was on the national board for the Ukrainian Catholic Youth. On July 4, 1953 Elizabeth married Edward John Kotowich. Elizabeth was a well know hair stylist. She taught for Pollock Beauty School before she started her own Beauty Salon in 1968. She was also involved with Cosmetologists association in Winnipeg, tutored and mentored many up-coming stylists, aided women who were experiencing the effects of cancer treatment, and assisted many convents with the change of habit in the Church. She enjoyed a full life and enjoyed traveling regionally and worldwide, especially with her sister Kay. Her greatest passion was music. She loved vocal and choral music. When she was growing up, she was a student at the Bornoff School of Music and sang in the O. Koeshetz Choir under its founding director. After she was married, she became very involved at St. Alphonsus Church where she was a Cantor, a member of the St. Alphonsus Church Choir and Liturgical Committee, and later Music Coordinator. Elizabeth was a founding member of the St. Boniface Diocesan Choir. She had a deep spiritual life and was very devoted to Christ through his Church. St. Jude was her patron saint. Elizabeth enjoyed visiting and sharing coffee with her friends; often with her dog, Simon at her side. We will always remember Mum for family gatherings especially at Christmas Eve with the twelve meatless dishes. She always had room for one more person at the dinner table. Prayers will be said on Thursday, June 13, at 7:30 pm at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday, June 14 at 1:00 pm at St. Alphonsus Church on the corner of Munroe Avenue and Brazier Street with Fr. Janusz Maron the celebrant. Interment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens 4477 Main Street. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Holy Family Home and especially to the third floor staff of St. Anne who constantly took care of Mum’s needs. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mum’s honour to Holy Family Home.