While checking the Kenora obituaries on-line, I was saddened to see that Joanne Kowalik had passed away. I grew up living next door
(1124  8th St. N.) to the Kowalik family .Joanne was a beautiful, kind and gentle woman. She was blessed with such a long, full life. May she rest in heavenly peace.

Carolyn Matweyw
Thunder Bay, ON.

My heart goes out to Jo-Anne’s family. Years ago i rescued her Christmas Day. She had no heat. Her furnace broke down and her grandson Jeff used to be my helper in earlier years. I went over and in no time I had it fixed. She never forgot that and was always so appreciative of what I did. Every year she would call me to service her furnace or fix her plumbing issues. I always would take time to have coffee or tea depending on the time of day. We were catching up on one of those days and she said to me oh Ivan you can’t retire till I’m gone. I ruffly new how old she was so I asked her well how old would you be Jo-Anne and she replied 98. I called her on her 100th or 101 to wish her happy birthday and she loved that I called and she told me her son Ray which I new had just dropped off a steak dinner with all the fixings. Well I have been working summers only taking the winters off and after this May I’m very proud Jo-Anne to say I am officially retiring for good. Hello to all the family and she will be sadly missed in my heart. ❤️

it is women like joanne that made growing up on 8and 9th streetso memorable for us kids they guided and molded us tobecmethe wonderful people we are today she is gone but lives in our prayers every day

Mrs Kowalik was a lovely lady that lived life with grace …… knew her from church & also there was 8th Street where she lived & I was from the 9th street clan of kids ….. so between the Abbey household , Kortz  household , Zilinski house & Hendy’s house we were always roaming around 8th street north 
And wow 104 years …. A life well lived Mrs Kowalik ….. rest easy now 
Sharon O’Flaherty ( the Wolfe house on 9th street )

“Aunty Jo”…how can you put into words what an extraordinary life she lead in such simple, humble ways?   She faced many tragedies and challenges but persevered and became a strong, independent woman and an example to many.  

She served family, neighbours, church, her workplace and many others who crossed her path.  Joanne was witty, full of laughter and always up for adventure.   She was an avid sports fan, baker, gardener and a great conversationalist.  She took time to listen, care and invest her time and gifts in others.   She leaves behind a legacy of loving her God and loving others.   She is home at last!

Joanne was a wonderful lady and an inspiration to us all.  I knew her my whole life growing up and attending First Baptist, she was very special. My condolences to the family, she will be missed.

Wow.. what a lady Joanne was. The day after Joanne passed away ,and before I knew that she had passed away, I was looking at a picture showing a large group of people on the steps of Longbow Bible Camp and marvelling that although Joanne was one of the oldest at the time she was still alive when so many had passed away before her. Turns out I was wrong, but I was right to marvel at how many great years Joanne had lived, able to stay at work and in her own home so much longer than most and marvel at her great attitude toward life for so much of her century+. My condolences to the family and much thanks for caring for Joanne while also sharing her life and inspiration with the rest of us. She was a special lady.

Joanne was such a steady influence my whole life. She and my sister enjoyed an exchange of, "Hi, Joanne!" She always cared for people, always positive and encouraging! She loved her grandchildren so much. I remember how happy she was for Carla to go to camp.  I remember her as hostess at the restaurant at the mall, always greeting people just like she did at church, sensitive to their moods. We don't know exactly what heaven is like, but I picture her and Ivy Zilinski finally being able to have coffee together again! She really loved God and must have so much joy to be with Him. A life well lived.

Joanne was a beloved member of First Baptist and we grew up with her always in our sphere as a friend and mentor. She was a remarkable woman and true inspiration. She will be deeply missed.

Rest in peace. Such an amazing lady. I remember her from the mall. Always impeccably dressed and looking every inch a lady.

OBITUARY

Joanne Kowalik

10 April, 1920 – 20 February, 2025

Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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