Obituary of LINDA KOWAL

LINDA KOWAL January 25, 1950 – September 30, 2011 It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Linda Kowal on September 30, 2011. She was only 61 years old. Linda, you left us too soon. Remaining to cherish Linda’s memory are her loving husband Emil; daughter Tami Kowal-Denisenko (Serhiy), grandchildren Oksana and Sasha; son Jason (friend Edith Nadon) and her loyal and special companion Buddy. She is also survived by; her parents Joe and Ann Ternowski, brother Arnold Ternowski (Marriette), sister Joann Ternowski; sister-in-law Darlene Sherman (Larry), brothers-in-law Zane Kowal and John Kowal, in-laws (svaty) Peter and Larysa Denisenko and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and special friends. She was predeceased by her parents-in-law Marie and Peter Kowal. Linda was born in Russell, MB on January 25, 1950. She grew up on the family farm and attended school in the Rossburn, MB area. In 1966 Linda’s family moved to Winnipeg where she attended Marvel Hairdressing School. On August 1, 1970 Linda married her childhood sweetheart and soul mate, Emil Kowal. She started her own hairdressing business shortly afterwards and for over 20 years enjoyed many loyal and satisfied clients and friends. They were blessed with the birth of their first child Tami in 1972. Son Jason joined the family two years later in 1974. In 1988 Linda began work in the health care field until she was diagnosed with MS in 1992. Over the years Linda also volunteered her time and skills in the Sargent Park School Library, at All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church as a Sunday school teacher, and at Holy Family Home. Tami married Serhiy Denisenko in January 1995. Oksana was born in 2004 and Sasha followed in 2007. Linda’s children were her pride and joy and she absolutely adored her two grandchildren. She received so much joy and happiness watching them play, dance to Ukrainian music and attending concerts. Linda always looked forward to Sunday dinners when all her children and grandchildren would be at home. Family and friends were very important to Linda and Emil. They hosted numerous holiday dinners and parties in their home. Linda was the ultimate hostess; always ensuring everything was just perfect for the occasion. The family also made regular visits to Perkins and Olive Garden to celebrate birthdays. While these will continue they will not be the same without Linda’s beautiful smile. Linda and Emil enjoyed taking family vacations. Camping trips were an annual occurrence in the early years. Later on, Emil and Linda travelled often to Boston. They also made several trips to Maui, Hawaii. Their early trips to Hawaii included Jason, Tami, Serhiy and Oksana. Later trips were with Emil’s sister Darlene and husband Larry. Linda cherished the memories of each trip to Hawaii, the gentle sea breezes, the sounds of the waves and the sight and smell of the flowers. Here at home Linda loved her backyard oasis. Sitting outside looking at the flowers, listening to the birds while drinking her coffee and watching Buddy roam the yard were very special to her. Linda had a beautiful spirit; she was kind, gentle, loving and passionate with a huge heart. She lived her life with integrity and strength. She lived with MS for many years and refused to let it define or defeat her. In 2010 Linda and Emil traveled to Poland where Linda underwent the "liberation treatment". This provided Linda not only with hope but with relief from some of her symptoms. Linda looked forward to enjoying many more years of life... with Emil in his retirement, watching Oksana and Sasha continue to bloom and grow, with her family and friends enjoying many more social gatherings, and lastly another trip back to Hawaii with Emil, Darlene and Larry. While Linda’s untimely passing will deprive us of her physical presence, we know that her memory and spirit will be with us forever. Prayers will be said on Wednesday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 6 at 10:00 a.m. at All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1500 Day Street with the Rt. Rev. Fr. William Wasyliw The pallbearers will be Jason Kowal, Arnold Ternowski, Zane Kowal, John Kowal, Serhiy Denisenko, Dennis Spitula, Cross bearer: Larry Sherman. Donations may be made in Linda’s memory to All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1500 Day Street, Winnipeg MB or the MS Society of Canada – Manitoba Division. Vichnaya Pam’Yat Memory Eternal