Annie Matiowski

Ann is survived by her 2 sons Patrick (Coral) and Kelly (Iona); 3 grandchildren, Emily, Sophia and Xander; 6 nieces and nephews, Geraldine, John, Lori, Sandy, Terry and Colin; 9 godchildren and numerous extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Buck, son Matthew John and sister Teena.

Ann’s kindness and happiness was obvious. All those who she met very quickly recognized that she was a nice, genuine person who was always willing to share and help wherever and whenever needed. This was equally applicable to family, friends and neighbours.

In addition to supporting service club initiatives promoted by Kinsmen, Rotary, the Lions and Knights of Columbus wherever she lived, Ann also supported charities such as the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Canada, and the hospital foundations where she resided. She was a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League continuously since 1968.

Ann was a hardworking, fun loving lady who had many hobbies. She enjoyed playing cards, cheering on her Jets, Bombers, and Canadian curling stars.

She was a curler, but also took pleasure playing fastball, broomball, bowling, golfing, fishing and being vocal at Pat and Kelly’s hockey games. She was the president of her sons’ fan clubs. Her favorite musicians were Elvis, Dean Martin, Fats Domino and polka music in general.

Visiting Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg and Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver was always a thrill for her. Casino visits with her husband or kids also brought her pleasure. Despite having discipline and being guided with a modest budget, she seemed to have good luck and a big smile while her husband or sons were frowning. Once a week, she would also treat herself to scratch lottery tickets.

Ann met her husband, Buck in the Shoal Lake-Oakburn area when she was in her early 20’s. They married in June of 1959. Together they explored and resided in 12 different communities throughout Manitoba and Ontario. They made friends everywhere they went and accumulated many treasured memories. Ann moved to Langley, British Columbia in 2014 to be with her boys.

Buck was involved in many things and led a very public life. Ann always stood by her man and supported his drive for parish and community service. Together, they made the world a better place. Her administration and accounting skills were invaluable and as partners, they were unstoppable. Ann was especially proud of the Farmer’s Market in Kenora, ON being named the Matiowski Market Gardens by the City of Kenora.

Her work career started on the family farm. Early mornings and chores were part of the daily routine. Mom worked as a bookkeeper for 9 years at the hospital in Shoal Lake, MB supporting Dr. Bardel and Dr Porus.

Ann was a bank teller at CIBC in Lynn Lake, MB & Guelph, ON, and returned to a bookkeeper role for Children’s Aid in Brandon, MB.

Ann was the accounting manager for Matiowski Management Ltd. which operated Gimli & Hnausa Training Centres and Aspen Lodge. She also assisted the Interlake Hockey Association and the North American First Nations hockey tournament with their financial affairs. During her seventh decade, she felt she had the best job in the world managing the Kenora Harbourfront parking lot; a great view, being near her husband and having a front row seat to the action in a tourist town.

Mom will be missed dearly by us all. We know you left in peace and that you were ready to rest when God called for you.

Liturgy and Panakhyda are planned for 11:00 AM on Monday February 12 at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Surrey, BC with Father Andriy Werbowy as the officiant. All are welcome to attend. A service and interment will also be scheduled for a later date in Winnipeg, MB.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ann are graciously suggested to any of these charities - Save Your Skin Foundation, Canadian Melanoma Foundation, BC Cancer Foundation, Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation, Surrey Hospitals Foundation, Exaltation of the Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church, Diabetes Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.

The family would like to thank all of Ann’s caregivers for their love and dedication at Dr. Al Hogg Pavilion, Langley Memorial Hospital, Laurel Place Care Centre and Fraser Health Home & Community Care.