Olga Kowaliuk

Our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Ollie Kowaliuk passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025 at Luther Home in Winnipeg with Carol and Susan by her side.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Debbi Wallace (Bryan), Carol Kowaliuk (Ray Vickell) and Susan Gilmore; her grandchildren Kristopher Kowaliuk (Aimee) Riley Gilmore, Bailey Gilmore (Meyer Nell); and her great-grandchildren Maggie and Oscar Kowaliuk. Ollie was also a Mom/Gramma figure to friends Audrey, Maureen and Leslie. Mom was the last of her siblings and in-laws after our Auntie Lil, Auntie Anne and Uncle Bill recently passed. She was also predeceased by her parents, her infant daughter Victoria, several nieces and nephews and her honorary, unforgettable daughter Vikki Winter Pearce.

Mom was born Olga Tkachuk in Gardenton to parents Nicholas and Sophie (Shypit). She had sisters Verna Kosowan (Nick), Helen/Lena Pow (Alexander), Mary Reniak, Sophie Kopechanski (Bill), Anne Finch and brother John Tkachuk (Mary). She moved to Winnipeg as a young woman and married Peter Kowaliuk. Pete also had a large family with sister Lil Atamanchuk (Tony), brothers George Kowaliuk (Lena), Steve Kowaliuk (Ann), Bill Kowaliuk (Effie) and Nick Kowaliuk. With all of these Aunts and Uncles, we had 44 first cousins!!!

Mom and Dad had their family while caretaking the Arnol Block at the corner of Austin & Sutherland. We travelled to Gardenton many weekends so they could help out their farm families. We later moved to Elmwood so Debbi could attend George V School. Mom enjoyed working at Clarks, that became Gambles, that became Zellers making many friends during those years. She was an amazing cook and our friends still talk about her wonderful cabbage rolls and perogies. Mom moved to Edmonton for a few years to live with Debbi and care for Kristopher. When she returned to Winnipeg, Mom lived for many years in an Osborne Village area apartment with Auntie Lena just down the hall. She had many friends there and was happy to help anyone down on their luck. She loved playing cards with friends on Fridays at the Norwood Legion. After Stradbrook, Mom moved to Sterling House until it was no longer safe for her to live on her own. She cared for Riley and Bailey growing up and was so proud to see them become accomplished adults. Sadly, she won't attend Bailey and Meyer's wedding in 2026 that she was very much looking forward to.

Mom spent her last couple of years living at Luther Home where she was the most visited resident, especially by her beloved niece Pat Zest. Many friends and relatives would also come to brighten her day with their visits. Nothing was more important to Mom than family. We would like to thank the incredible staff and residents at Luther Home for the care and friendship shown to Mom and family during her time there. We'll miss visiting them.

To the end, Mom could beat us all at Scrabble!

In remembrance of Ollie's life and love, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Luther Home, 1081 Andrews Street, Winnipeg, MB, R2V 2G9.

No formal service will take place. There will be a celebration of Mom's life and an opportunity to share memories on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson "In the Park" at 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. She wished for her ashes to be interred with her daughter Victoria, which will take place next summer at All Saints Cemetery in West St. Paul.

those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever