LORRAINE PATRICIA

THERESA (PAT) KOWALSKI

née Thomson

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Suddenly on November 21, 2016, Pat Kowalski passed away at home at the age of 83 years.

 

She was predeceased by her husband Albert Kowalski in 1990.  She is survived by her sons Rick Campeau (Jennifer) and Rick (Laura) Kowalski; daughters Lynne Scott and Sharon (Regan) Leggatt; grandchildren Christina (John) Gaudette, Jason Maslow (James Hawthorne), Jennifer Maslow (Misha  Darbinyan), William Scott,  Stephanie (Kurt) Tymchyshyn, Christopher Glade-Kowalski and Jeffrey (Pojia) Campeau; great-grandchildren Alexis, Logan, Hailey,  Jaxon and Noah and brother Bill Thomson.

Pat grew up in St. Vital and delighted in sharing memories of summers spent on her mother's family homestead (way past the street car line, with no running water or electricity), her time at Glenlawn Collegiate, and fun had with the life long friends met there.

After Glenlawn, Pat attended the Manitoba Normal School, and obtained a teaching certificate.  She started her career in a one room school house in West St. Paul, Manitoba, for the princely sum of $900 per year.  At least she didn't have to live in a 'teacherage'!  Pat continued teaching after her marriage to Al in 1955.  She finished her teaching career at the Kinsmen School for Retarded Children, where she felt a great sense of accomplishment. She loved sharing stories of her work there, including the day that Chuck Connors visited the school and kissed her!

From the late 60's through to the mid 80's Pat and Al belonged to the Manitoba Yacht Club.  They enjoyed boating with family and friends, aboard their cabin cruisers, Nauti-gal, Nauti-gal Twice and Just Us.  Summers were spent cruising Lake Winnipeg, with stops in Winnipeg Beach, Gimli, and Heckla.  The old dock at Gimli was the site of many a great boating party!

A child of the Great Depression, Pat always planned for the rainy day and so was able to help her children and grandchildren buy homes and invest in businesses.  She took great pleasure in seeing them enjoy the help she was able to provide.

In later years Pat's life revolved around family and friends.  Time spent with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was precious. Christmas was a joy, and with it the annual hunt for a sufficient quantity of Terry's Chocolate Oranges.  Fiercely independent, Pat lived on her own until the end, a walker her only concession to age. She will be truly missed.  

 

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held between 5:00 –11:00 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2016 in the Club Room at 220 Burning Glass Road.

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In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pat’s memory to CancerCare Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or Craig Street Cats 16-1421 St. James Street, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y9