Peacefully, with dignity, and with her family by her side, Reva Kowalchuk (nee Morgan) passed away on Monday afternoon January 29, 2018. She is now reunited with her dad and grandparents in heaven.

 

Reva was born in Brandon Manitoba on July 22, 1961 to Richard (“Ri”) and Vicki Morgan. The third of their four children, she was their only daughter, shared their father’s birthday, and was the sparkle in her father’s eyes. He gave her the nickname “Buttons”. She is survived by her husband Stan; son Ben and her future daughter-in-law Melissa. She is also survived by her mother Myra Victoria Morgan (“Vicki”); brothers Jody (Irma), Mark (Donna) and Hugh (Anita); nephews Richard (Amber), Evan, Robert, Jordan and Ryan; niece Vicki Morgan; grand-nieces Alexys, Madi and Kaelyn; grand-nephew Sawyer; parents-in-law Steve and Carol, and brother-in-law Steve. She was predeceased by her father Ri and nephew Mitchell.

           

Reva had many interests. She loved various crafts and always seemed to have a project on the go. She had a lifelong passion for sewing that was instilled in her by her mother. As a child, she was involved in brownies and girl guides. As a teenager, she volunteered as a candy-striper at the Brandon General Hospital. As a young adult, she joined the Big Sisters program and became a big sister to Tanya. She loved to travel, and had many enjoyable trips out of the country to many different destinations, either on work trips, or with family and with close friends. Throughout her life, she was always ready and available to help anyone with anything. Even following her cancer diagnosis almost two years ago, she continued to help others in their often common and parallel paths, through sharing the many diagnostic and treatment experiences she received. Last year, her poor long-term prognosis with terminal cancer was taken as another challenge for her to overcome, and she survived long beyond her doctors’ expectations. She spent many enjoyable days and weeks at the family cottage in Winnipeg Beach this past summer, and she was looking forward to another camping season to start later this year. She easily made many friends throughout her life, and she enjoyed spending quality time with each one, either as individuals or in groups. This last summer, she spent many, many hours with her special friends at the lake. She always had a special place in her heart and life for all four-legged creatures, and all the animals she met quickly recognized her as a gentle spirit. 

 

Her understanding of numbers and computers eventually led her to her last job. Being recognized as a super subject matter expert took her to England, all over the US and Canada, assisting in software choices, writing training manuals, teaching software, creating a rental management program, and assisting management with reports and audits.

 

She learned of her value to the company as it sold and the new buyers had been told prior to “ask Reva”, but the previous owners would not let them.

 

Reva and Stan enjoyed 20 years together at Wildwood Park in Winnipeg Beach, staying in and remodeling their trailer/site. Many friends were made there, a lot becoming like family. They were also able to travel to Cuba a number of times and enjoyed going with Ben and friends (Les and Laura) on their last trip. Reva also took a trip to Mexico with a girlfriend (Jackie) a few years ago and had fun there too!

 

She had a big heart, everyone held a special place in it, and meant the world to her. She was very good at remembering names and people, not a common trait!

 

She was always wanting to learn and once learned would pass on her info. No question was stupid if one didn’t know the answer.

 

Please remember the good/great times you’ve each gained in knowing her spirit. That would mean the world to her!

 

A celebration of Reva’s life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday, April 6, 2018 in the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road.

 

Reva’s family would like to acknowledge those individuals who were with her throughout the medical challenges she dealt with over the past two years: the members of the palliative care team that regularly visited her at her home; the technicians and oncologists at CancerCare Manitoba; and most recently, the doctors, nurses and staff at the St Boniface Palliative Care Ward.

 

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Reva’s name to your favorite charity.