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Kotowich, Edward Joseph Albert "Ed"

Kotowich, Edward Joseph Albert "Ed"[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Male 1934 - 1986  (52 years)

Personal Information    |    Sources    |    Event Map    |    All    |    PDF

  • Name Kotowich, Edward Joseph Albert "Ed"  [5, 7
    Birth 31 May 1934  Narol, RM of St Clements, Manitoba, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Cause of Death
    • Massive Stroke suffered at their cottage at Lake of the Woods
    Residence 1962  Saint-Boniface, Manitoba, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [5
    Web Address 15 Jun 1986  https://www.bluebombers.com/2017/04/17/ed-kotowich/ Find all individuals with events at this location 
    • Winnipeg Blue Bombers Hall of Fame
    Death 11 Dec 1986  Saint-Boniface, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location 
    • At Saint Boniface Hospital
    Funeral 14 Dec 1986  Saint-Boniface, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location 
    • Viewing will be held Sunday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in P. Coutu Funeral Chapel, 156 Marion St.
    Funeral 15 Dec 1986  Saint-Boniface, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location 
    • Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at Christ The King Church, 847 St. Mary's Rd., with Rev. Fr. Eugene Raimbault celebrant. Service will terminate at the church.
    Burial Aft. 15 Dec 1986  Unknown Cemetery, Manitoba, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location 
    • Details of the disposition of his remains are not provided in his obituary
    Web Address 15 Jun 2009  http://honouredmembers.sportmanitoba.ca/inductee.php?id=416&criteria_sort=name Find all individuals with events at this location 
    • Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame
    Web Address 1 Jan 2018  http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/kotowich_eja.shtml Find all individuals with events at this location 
    • Manitoba Historical Society
    Notes 
    • Obituary photo - Edward Joseph Albert Kotowich (1934) (NO0017917)
      Media / Image (jpg [png]; image [portrait])
      File size: 8757 bytes; Image size (pixels): 253 wide by 554 high
      Described as: Obituary photo - Edward Joseph Albert Kotowich (1934);
      Taken in: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in or on about: Abt. 1980;
      Available for viewing with an active subscription on your host's Ancestry tree.

    • Obituary - Wladyslaw Josef "Walter" "Joseph" Kotowich (1901) (NO0001765)
      Media / Image (jpg [png]; image [document])
      File size: 190137 bytes; Image size (pixels): 413 wide by 1407 high
      Described as: Obituary for Wladyslaw Josef "Walter" "Joseph" Kotowich (1901), as published in the Winnipeg Free Press (page 31)
      The above description may be truncated / shortened from the original;
      Produced, taken, or possibly captured in: Winnipeg, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in or on about: 11 Jun 1974;
      Available for viewing with an active subscription on your host's Ancestry tree.

    • Obituary - Denise (Kolly-Gillioz) Kotowich (1933) (NO0000244)
      Content type: story-([x-inline] internal format: Not applicable)
      Content size: 2383 bytes / characters
      Noted by the author as pertaining to events and people living in: Winnipeg, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in or on about: 26 Oct 2019;
      A personal story has been recorded by hand.
      The full story is available for viewing with an active subscription on your host's Ancestry tree.

    • Obituary - Edward Joseph Albert (Ed) Kotowich (1934) (NO0004876)
      Media / Image (jpg [png]; image [document])
      File size: 2228908 bytes; Image size (pixels): 3703 wide by 2000 high
      Described as: Winnipeg Free Press Obituary - Edward Joseph Albert (Ed) Kotowich (1934)
      The above description may be truncated / shortened from the original;
      Produced, taken, or possibly captured in: Winnipeg, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in or on about: 13 Dec 1986;
      Available for viewing with an active subscription on your host's Ancestry tree.

    • Winnipeg Free Press - Ed Kotowich acclaimed alderman in Saint-Boniface (NO0002360)
      Media / Image (jpg [png]; image [document])
      File size: 579444 bytes; Image size (pixels): 701 wide by 817 high
      Described as: Winnipeg Free Press article announcing that Ed Kotowich was acclaimed alderman in Saint-Boniface
      The above description may be truncated / shortened from the original;
      Produced, taken, or possibly captured in: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in or on about: 3 Oct 1968;
      Available for viewing with an active subscription on your host's Ancestry tree.

    • Winnipeg Free Press - ET Kotowich supports program for free rides on transit (NO0007076)
      Media / Image (jpg [png]; image [document])
      File size: 166482 bytes; Image size (pixels): 1005 wide by 2000 high
      Described as: City Councilor Ed Kotowich supports proposed program for free rides on transit
      The above description may be truncated / shortened from the original;
      Produced, taken, or possibly captured in: An unknown location, in or on about: 10 Sep 1974;
      Available for viewing with an active subscription on your host's Ancestry tree.

    Person ID I402030312538  Rick Dondo's Family
    Last Modified 31 Mar 2024 

    Father Kotowich, Wladyslaw Josef "Walter" "Joseph",   b. 27 May 1901, Poland Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 6 Sep 1974, Winnipeg, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 73 years) 
    Mother Zagurski, Mary,   b. Abt. 1903   d. 26 Jan 1998, Winnipeg, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 95 years) 
    Marriage 12 Sep 1931  Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Family ID F1410  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Kolly-Gillioz, Denise Marie Antonie,   b. 28 Apr 1933, Manitoba, Canada Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 19 Oct 2019, Winnipeg, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 86 years) 
    Marriage 1954  Saint-Boniface, Manitoba, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [8
    • Per Ed's obituary
    TYPE Spouse 
    Children 
     1. Kotowich, J.
    +2. Kotowich, K.K.
    +3. Kotowich, A.
    +4. Kotowich, S-AS.
    Family ID F3505  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 31 Mar 2024 

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBirth - 31 May 1934 - Narol, RM of St Clements, Manitoba, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsMarriage - 1954 - Saint-Boniface, Manitoba, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 1962 - Saint-Boniface, Manitoba, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDeath - 11 Dec 1986 - Saint-Boniface, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsFuneral - 14 Dec 1986 - Saint-Boniface, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsFuneral - 15 Dec 1986 - Saint-Boniface, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBurial - Aft. 15 Dec 1986 - Unknown Cemetery, Manitoba, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsWeb Address - 15 Jun 2009 - http://honouredmembers.sportmanitoba.ca/inductee.php?id=416&criteria_sort=name Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsWeb Address - 1 Jan 2018 - http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/kotowich_eja.shtml Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth 
    Pin Legend  : Address       : Location       : City/Town       : County/Shire       : State/Province       : Country       : Not Set

  • Sources 
    1. [S0000200003] Various,
      Internet Resources (Web)[SD], (Various).

      Information has been found on this WWW / Internet service,
      described as "Manitoba Historical Society - Memorable Manitoban",
      and deemed by your host to be pertinent to this person's or family's story.


    2. [S0000200003] Various,
      Internet Resources (Web)[SD], (Various).

      Information has been found on this WWW / Internet service,
      described as "Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame tribute for his induction",
      and deemed by your host to be pertinent to this person's or family's story.


    3. [S0000200003] Various,
      Internet Resources (Web)[SD], (Various).

      Information has been found on this WWW / Internet service,
      described as "Winnipeg Blue Bombers tribute for his induction into the Club...",
      and deemed by your host to be pertinent to this person's or family's story.


    4. [S1502254493] Ancestry.com,
      Ancestry Family Trees (Public and Private), (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com.Original data: Family Tree files submitted by Ancestry members.).

      Profiled by one or more other researchers on the Ancestry service

      When information to publish this site was captured, your host was aware that AT LEAST ONE fellow researcher had information at one time about this person ON ANOTHER TREE that was deemed relevant to the the individual's story and was accessible by any other member.

      Provided the member has or members have kept the pertinent tree(s) in their account(s) available to the public, with an active subscription, their profile(s) for this person can be seen on Ancestry using the link(s) in this list:

      Another researcher's profile of this person
      Another researcher's profile of this person

    5. [S1502255581] Ancestry.com,
      Canada, Voters Lists, 1935-1980, (Ancestry.com Operations Inc).


      As noted on the Ancestry.com service in this Records Collection item


    6. [S1587724191] Various,
      Wikipedia (Web)[SD], (Wikimedia Foundation, Inc), Various, Ed Kotowich,
      N/A.
      Edward Joseph Albert Kotowich (May 31, 1934 – December 11, 1986) was a Canadian football player who played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He won the Grey Cup with them in 1958, 1959 and 1961.[1] He died of a stroke in 1986, aged 52.[2][3] He earned the nickname "The Mauler" for his ferocious play.[4]
      He is recognized as a "Memorable Manitoban" by the Manitoba Historical Society and their biography elaborates many of his contributions that followed his football career.

    7. [S1587724191] Various,
      Wikipedia (Web)[SD], (Wikimedia Foundation, Inc),

      [Various],
      Ed Kotowich,
      N/A.

      Edward Joseph Albert Kotowich (May 31, 1934 – December 11, 1986) was a Canadian football player who played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He won the Grey Cup with them in 1958, 1959 and 1961.[1] He died of a stroke in 1986, aged 52.[2][3] He earned the nickname "The Mauler" for his ferocious play.[4]

      The original source material and possibly more information

      can be reviewed here


      on a free public service.
      He is recognized as a "Memorable Manitoban" by the Manitoba Historical Society and their biography elaborates many of his contributions that followed his football career.

    8. [S1563291627] Winnipeg Free Press,
      Passages Service of the WFP (Web)[SD], (Winnipeg Free Press Located in: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada),

      [2019/10/26],
      https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-268058/KOTOWICH_DENISE, N/A.

      DENISE M. KOTOWICH (GILLIOZ) (KOLLY), BORN: APR 28, 1933, DATE OF PASSING: OCT 19, 2019; Denise Marie Antonie Kotowich (Gillioz) (nee Kolly) passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 19, 2019.

      -------------------------------------------------------------

      Denise Marie Antonie Kotowich (Gillioz) nee Kolly passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 19, 2019.
      She was predeceased by her father Louis Kolly, Step Father Albert Gillioz, Mother Angele Gillioz and husband Ed Kotowich.

      She leaves her children and their families, Alan (Deb) Kotowich, Jason, Sean and Jaelyn; Ken (Bev) Kotowich, Deandra (Scott) Petersen, Shantelle and Krisjan; Janelle (Peter) Zajaczkowski; Sherril (Eric) Matthes and Kira (Josh) Bellingham; as well as other extended relatives and many friends.

      Mom was born in Notre Dame De Lourdes and lost her father at the age of 5 months. Growing up an only child whose Mom traveled to Jasper for employment she learned independence and self-determination at an early age, which stayed with her throughout her entire life.

      After her Mom (Memere) remarried to Albert Gillioz (Pappy) they moved to Sudbury Ontario for a number of years where he worked in the mines. They returned to Manitoba and lived in St. Boniface where she completed “commercial” at College. This was where she met and made lifelong friends with Jeannine Cadorath. Our family spent many great times together with Auntie Jean, Uncle Mel, Rick, David and Cathy Cadorath at their cottage at Caddy Lake. Mom and Dad also enjoyed traveling with them on trips to Barbados, Hawaii, and at their winter home in Arizona.

      Mom met Dad while working as the secretary at P.I.X. (Pacific Inland Express). They went out on a “dare date” in February of 1954, got engaged in April and married in October.

      Having been an only child Mom was determined that they would have many children – and soon the family grew to four children. Mom was able to be at home with the kids for the most part and raised us with the same sense of adventure and independence that she had. While Dad was often busy working multiple full and part time jobs, including his time playing for the Bombers, Mom was the rock and mentor at home. She made sure that we would learn and explore nature at an early age, camping in a tent at West Hawk Lake with four kids all summer with Dad coming out on the weekends. There we explored trails, bloodsuckers, camp fires, and adventures. Dad was horrified when he found out that we were jumping off the rock cliffs into the lake!
      She made sure that we were all busy with swimming lessons and the many sporting and community club activities growing up. Mom was a hockey Mom before the term was in vogue. She attended as many of her son’s games as she could and we could always hear her cheers and encouragement over the rest of the crowd.
      Mom loved all sorts of music. From Johnny Matthes to Mireille Mathieu to The Merry Men to the Three Tenors and everything in between. When we were growing up in Windsor Park in the 60’s the Beatles were hitting the charts. Dad vowed that we should not be listening to that “Hippie” music. So, when he was out of town Mom would play the Beatles records for us.

      Mom and Dad would take us out to Nanny and Pappy’s (Mary and Albert Kotowich) farm on Henderson Highway where we would ride the “rock boat” and sometimes help with picking veggies that Mom would freeze for the coming winter season. Mom and Nanny had a very special relationship. One day Nanny called Mom in a panic that there was “something in the yard – come quick”. We went out to the farm to find a rather large turtle that must have come up from the river. Mom being a lover of all animals decided that we should take the turtle home. Later that night Dad came home from a road trip and was going to take a shower only to be shocked to find a large turtle in the bathtub!

      We also spent many great times at Auntie Margaret’s (Dad’s Sister) with Auntie Margaret, Uncle Charlie, Kelly, Brenda and Jeffrey Wazney. They hosted amazing Christmas open houses and birthday parties where you would find a coin in your piece of homemade Birthday cake.

      We visited with relatives the Sauteur’s and Kolly’s and friends of Mom’s in Notre Dame de Lourdes. It was always an adventure, whether seeing the horses, or playing around the barn where the boys couldn’t resist trying to “ride” the pigs!

      We were lucky enough to travel a bit as a young family. Mom and Dad took the four kids and our grandparents on Mom’s side (Memere and Pappy) in the old station wagon, pulling a small house trailer to Expo ’67 in Montreal. Now that’s got to be a testament to endurance and patience! They also took the same group on a vacation to Switzerland to visit our Swiss relatives and tour some of the country. An amazing experience.
      Living in Windsor Park Mom was very active with the parish at St. Bernadette’s including the auxiliary and choir. Mom and Dad were very involved in the early years of the Festival Du Voyageur. While volunteering as Festival Queen Contest Coordinator she worked with a group of women who became best of friends. The “Festival Girls”, Bea Cowley, Gertie Mousseau, Flo Lewer, Marie Norton, Helene Grouette, and Mom, an amazing group who shared their lives, laughs and joie de vivre which lasted all of their lives. Later Mom also volunteered on the board of the St. Boniface Museum.

      For all of their 20th. anniversaries Mom, Dad, Auntie Jean and Uncle Mel Cadorath and Auntie Dorothy and Uncle Lud Domeratski went on a vacation together to Barbados. While there they rubbed shoulders with Engelbert Humperdinck who was staying on vacation next door.
      Mom loved fishing and got involved with the “Happy Anglers” – a group of women who made an annual fishing excursion in May. It involved a very early morning breakfast gathering before boarding the bus to some remote location for fishing all day – usually in cool and rainy weather – but having a great time and camaraderie – particularly on the bus trip back to the city.

      After camping and boating across Manitoba and NW Ontario for a few years Mom and Dad bought the cottage in Clearwater Bay in 1969. It was a labor of love where they made many great friends and memories. The era was filled with adventures – exploring the lake, water skiing, boating, fishing, blueberry picking, hiking, dirt bikes, snowmobiling in the winter, and lots of blood, sweat and tears fixing the old cottage (which some might have called child labor)! There were also many days and nights of fishing tournaments, card parties and costume parties with the lake neighbors and entertaining friends.

      In 1985/86 it was time to replace the old cottage with a new retirement home at the lake. They designed the new cottage and had it built. That same year in December Dad passed away suddenly. A very difficult time but Mom’s independence and self-determination eventually returned and she enjoyed the next 30 years with summers at the lake, transforming the yard into beautiful gardens, and entertaining friends and family. She was known for her open house hospitality for all who wanted to come and spend time. Cooking and entertaining everyone and renowned for her famous Blueberry Cheesecake. She enjoyed her garden, the chickadees, tree frogs and other ‘friends’ at the cottage at Lake of the Woods for most of her adult life. We laughed, we cried, we sang, we danced.

      Mom loved to travel. She loved the many trips she had with each of her kids and their families, frequently to one of the Islands in the Caribbean or other sun destinations. She also joined a group in Winnipeg call The Friendship Force of Manitoba. This groups’ focus is to provide members with travel opportunities to other Friendship Force Groups worldwide, and to host groups from afar on trips to Winnipeg. She made many friends both in Winnipeg and abroad through their adventures. Some destinations included South America, Greenland, Holland and New Zealand to mention a few. She also traveled to Africa with a group from Winnipeg which was one of her favorite adventures.
      She had a great sense of humor and was often able to put a new spin on age old sayings. Like “You Can’t Punch A Gift Horse In The Mouth”.
      Despite some major struggles Mom’s independence and self-determination led her to a very full and rewarding life, gracing everyone she knew with her spunky energy and enthusiasm.

      It is with heavy hearts, but excellent memories that we had to say goodbye.

      Our deepest gratitude is extended to Dr. Kevin Coates who consistently extended the utmost in respectful and compassionate care and provided us with invaluable guidance over many years. Thank you to Linda and the wonderful staff at Riverwood Square Assisted Living for all their care and support. And Thank You to Susan and the amazing staff at Poseidon PCH whose unwavering respect and personal attention to Mom’s needs was nothing short of a blessing.

      A Celebration of Mom’s Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, July 7, 2022 at Canad Inns Destination Centre, Fort Garry, 1824 Pembina Hwy. A private family interment was held.

      In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
      She was predeceased by her father Louis Kolly, stepfather Albert Gillioz, mother Angele Gillioz, and husband Ed Kotowich.
      She leaves her children and their families, Alan (Deb) Kotowich, Jason, Sean and Jaelyn; Ken (Bev) Kotowich, Deandra (Scott) Petersen, Shantelle and Krisjan; Janelle (Peter) Zajaczkowski; Sherril (Eric) Matthes and Kira (Josh) Bellingham; other extended relatives and many friends.
      Mom's independent, outgoing and spunky nature gave her the personality to meet and make lasting relationships with many wonderful people throughout her life. She was happiest when able to open her doors and entertain the many people that she cherished along the way. She enjoyed a very active life with her husband Ed and her family, and was able to experience many wonderful travels and adventures. She enjoyed her garden, the chickadees, tree frogs and other 'friends' at the cottage at Lake of the Woods for most of her adult life.
      It is with heavy hearts, but excellent memories that we had to say goodbye.
      Our deepest gratitude is extended to Dr. Kevin Coates who consistently extended the utmost in respectful and compassionate care and provided us with invaluable guidance over many years. Thank you to Linda and the wonderful staff at Riverwood Square Assisted Living for all their care and support. And thank you to Susan and the amazing staff at Poseidon Personal Care Home whose unwavering respect and personal attention to Mom's needs was nothing short of a blessing.
      Cremation has taken place and a private family interment is planned for the summer of 2020 followed by a celebration of Mom's life. Further details to follow.
      In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

      Richard Rosin Funeral Director Ltd. in care of arrangements

      -- As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2019

      Denise Marie Antonie Kotowich (Gillioz) nee Kolly passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 19, 2019.
      She was predeceased by her father Louis Kolly, Step Father Albert Gillioz, Mother Angele Gillioz and husband Ed Kotowich.

      She leaves her children and their families, Alan (Deb) Kotowich, Jason, Sean and Jaelyn; Ken (Bev) Kotowich, Deandra (Scott) Petersen, Shantelle and Krisjan; Janelle (Peter) Zajaczkowski; Sherril (Eric) Matthes and Kira (Josh) Bellingham; as well as other extended relatives and many friends.

      Mom was born in Notre Dame De Lourdes and lost her father at the age of 5 months. Growing up an only child whose Mom traveled to Jasper for employment she learned independence and self-determination at an early age, which stayed with her throughout her entire life.

      After her Mom (Memere) remarried to Albert Gillioz (Pappy) they moved to Sudbury Ontario for a number of years where he worked in the mines. They returned to Manitoba and lived in St. Boniface where she completed “commercial” at College. This was where she met and made lifelong friends with Jeannine Cadorath. Our family spent many great times together with Auntie Jean, Uncle Mel, Rick, David and Cathy Cadorath at their cottage at Caddy Lake. Mom and Dad also enjoyed traveling with them on trips to Barbados, Hawaii, and at their winter home in Arizona.

      Mom met Dad while working as the secretary at P.I.X. (Pacific Inland Express). They went out on a “dare date” in February of 1954, got engaged in April and married in October.

      Having been an only child Mom was determined that they would have many children – and soon the family grew to four children. Mom was able to be at home with the kids for the most part and raised us with the same sense of adventure and independence that she had. While Dad was often busy working multiple full and part time jobs, including his time playing for the Bombers, Mom was the rock and mentor at home. She made sure that we would learn and explore nature at an early age, camping in a tent at West Hawk Lake with four kids all summer with Dad coming out on the weekends. There we explored trails, bloodsuckers, camp fires, and adventures. Dad was horrified when he found out that we were jumping off the rock cliffs into the lake!
      She made sure that we were all busy with swimming lessons and the many sporting and community club activities growing up. Mom was a hockey Mom before the term was in vogue. She attended as many of her son’s games as she could and we could always hear her cheers and encouragement over the rest of the crowd.
      Mom loved all sorts of music. From Johnny Matthes to Mireille Mathieu to The Merry Men to the Three Tenors and everything in between. When we were growing up in Windsor Park in the 60’s the Beatles were hitting the charts. Dad vowed that we should not be listening to that “Hippie” music. So, when he was out of town Mom would play the Beatles records for us.

      Mom and Dad would take us out to Nanny and Pappy’s (Mary and Albert Kotowich) farm on Henderson Highway where we would ride the “rock boat” and sometimes help with picking veggies that Mom would freeze for the coming winter season. Mom and Nanny had a very special relationship. One day Nanny called Mom in a panic that there was “something in the yard – come quick”. We went out to the farm to find a rather large turtle that must have come up from the river. Mom being a lover of all animals decided that we should take the turtle home. Later that night Dad came home from a road trip and was going to take a shower only to be shocked to find a large turtle in the bathtub!

      We also spent many great times at Auntie Margaret’s (Dad’s Sister) with Auntie Margaret, Uncle Charlie, Kelly, Brenda and Jeffrey Wazney. They hosted amazing Christmas open houses and birthday parties where you would find a coin in your piece of homemade Birthday cake.

      We visited with relatives the Sauteur’s and Kolly’s and friends of Mom’s in Notre Dame de Lourdes. It was always an adventure, whether seeing the horses, or playing around the barn where the boys couldn’t resist trying to “ride” the pigs!

      We were lucky enough to travel a bit as a young family. Mom and Dad took the four kids and our grandparents on Mom’s side (Memere and Pappy) in the old station wagon, pulling a small house trailer to Expo ’67 in Montreal. Now that’s got to be a testament to endurance and patience! They also took the same group on a vacation to Switzerland to visit our Swiss relatives and tour some of the country. An amazing experience.
      Living in Windsor Park Mom was very active with the parish at St. Bernadette’s including the auxiliary and choir. Mom and Dad were very involved in the early years of the Festival Du Voyageur. While volunteering as Festival Queen Contest Coordinator she worked with a group of women who became best of friends. The “Festival Girls”, Bea Cowley, Gertie Mousseau, Flo Lewer, Marie Norton, Helene Grouette, and Mom, an amazing group who shared their lives, laughs and joie de vivre which lasted all of their lives. Later Mom also volunteered on the board of the St. Boniface Museum.

      For all of their 20th. anniversaries Mom, Dad, Auntie Jean and Uncle Mel Cadorath and Auntie Dorothy and Uncle Lud Domeratski went on a vacation together to Barbados. While there they rubbed shoulders with Engelbert Humperdinck who was staying on vacation next door.
      Mom loved fishing and got involved with the “Happy Anglers” – a group of women who made an annual fishing excursion in May. It involved a very early morning breakfast gathering before boarding the bus to some remote location for fishing all day – usually in cool and rainy weather – but having a great time and camaraderie – particularly on the bus trip back to the city.

      After camping and boating across Manitoba and NW Ontario for a few years Mom and Dad bought the cottage in Clearwater Bay in 1969. It was a labor of love where they made many great friends and memories. The era was filled with adventures – exploring the lake, water skiing, boating, fishing, blueberry picking, hiking, dirt bikes, snowmobiling in the winter, and lots of blood, sweat and tears fixing the old cottage (which some might have called child labor)! There were also many days and nights of fishing tournaments, card parties and costume parties with the lake neighbors and entertaining friends.

      In 1985/86 it was time to replace the old cottage with a new retirement home at the lake. They designed the new cottage and had it built. That same year in December Dad passed away suddenly. A very difficult time but Mom’s independence and self-determination eventually returned and she enjoyed the next 30 years with summers at the lake, transforming the yard into beautiful gardens, and entertaining friends and family. She was known for her open house hospitality for all who wanted to come and spend time. Cooking and entertaining everyone and renowned for her famous Blueberry Cheesecake. She enjoyed her garden, the chickadees, tree frogs and other ‘friends’ at the cottage at Lake of the Woods for most of her adult life. We laughed, we cried, we sang, we danced.

      Mom loved to travel. She loved the many trips she had with each of her kids and their families, frequently to one of the Islands in the Caribbean or other sun destinations. She also joined a group in Winnipeg call The Friendship Force of Manitoba. This groups’ focus is to provide members with travel opportunities to other Friendship Force Groups worldwide, and to host groups from afar on trips to Winnipeg. She made many friends both in Winnipeg and abroad through their adventures. Some destinations included South America, Greenland, Holland and New Zealand to mention a few. She also traveled to Africa with a group from Winnipeg which was one of her favorite adventures.
      She had a great sense of humor and was often able to put a new spin on age old sayings. Like “You Can’t Punch A Gift Horse In The Mouth”.
      Despite some major struggles Mom’s independence and self-determination led her to a very full and rewarding life, gracing everyone she knew with her spunky energy and enthusiasm.

      It is with heavy hearts, but excellent memories that we had to say goodbye.

      Our deepest gratitude is extended to Dr. Kevin Coates who consistently extended the utmost in respectful and compassionate care and provided us with invaluable guidance over many years. Thank you to Linda and the wonderful staff at Riverwood Square Assisted Living for all their care and support. And Thank You to Susan and the amazing staff at Poseidon PCH whose unwavering respect and personal attention to Mom’s needs was nothing short of a blessing.

      A Celebration of Mom’s Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, July 7, 2022 at Canad Inns Destination Centre, Fort Garry, 1824 Pembina Hwy. A private family interment was held.

      In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

      - As published on the Richard Rosin memorial and updated as recently as July 1, 2022 or later


      The original source material and possibly more information

      can be reviewed here


      on a free public service.
      https://memorials.richardrosin.ca/denise-kotowich/3993152/index.php