Obituary of Evelyn Teresa Kowolik
Evelyn Teresa Kowolik November 20, 1929 – December 1, 2023
Born in Birmingham, England on November 20, 1929. Evelyn spent her childhood years in war time England.
In her teens Evelyn worked in the office of a silver smithing factory where she was responsible for human resource duties and payroll. This is where she met the love of her life and lifetime companion, Boleslaw whom she lovingly called Peter. Married on June 28, 1952, Evelyn was married to Peter for 53 years, until his death on May 7, 2005.
In a search for a better life for their children Evelyn and Peter immigrated to Canada in 1966 with their children, Paula (aged 9), John (aged 5) and Stefan (aged 3). Departing from England on the maiden voyage of the cruise ship the Alexander Pushkin, The Baltic Steamship Company; they left from Tilbury on June 21, 1966, to arrive in Montreal on July 1, 1966, then taking a CN train to Niagara Falls, Ont. Really a very brave challenge to undertake this journey with three small children and venturing into an unknown new life. Evelyn left behind her beloved sister Jean whom she had a lifelong connection often making trips back to England to visit.
Initially, staying at the Niagara-on-the-Lake farm of longtime friends, Tony and Emily (Millie) Gagola, and then settling into their farm on Centre Street, Pelham, Ontario. Evelyn worked tirelessly to run in partnership with Peter the Rockway Game farm. She talked of her job of the late-night rolling of the eggs in the incubators to ensure success of the new batches of young chicks. During this time Evelyn also volunteered at her children’s schools, Air Cadets and Scouts. Later, she would also become part of the crew of ladies that tied and picking grapes for the local grape farmers spending many years doing this job on Hallet’s farm.
Mom was always quick with a warm smile and offering a helping hand, remembered by most who met her. Although, behind the sweet smile Mom K was a tough negotiator when it came to doing it on behalf of her children. She was the kind of Mom who you knew always had your best interests at heart – always there when you needed a helping hand or quiet support. This love was extended to her daughters-in-laws, Kendra and Nancy and her grandchildren, Kira, Krysztof, Aidan and Claire whom she opened her heart to and loved.
Really there was no stopping Evelyn – she took up exercising at a local health club later in her life in the 1980’s and continued this into her seventies. Falling off an exercise ball breaking her hip ended her aerobics exercise career. This did not stop her, she continued to walk to most places and then later using a walker rode on the local buses to get around the city. Later in life we realized just how brave our Mom was – overcoming mobility issues and the pain associated with it, she had a determination. She was independent in her own home up until a fall resulted in a cracked spine that sent her to hospital and then into long term care at Woodlands in Pelham, Ontario.
On Friday, December 1, 2023, at the Welland Hospital at age 94 with family by her side Evelyn passed away. Beloved wife of the late Boleslaw Kowolik.
Loving mother of Paula Kowolik of St. Catharines, John and Kendra Kowolik of Toronto, Stefan and Nancy Kowolik of Palm Bay, Florida. Grandma / Nana will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Kira (Eric), Krysztof, Aidan and Claire.
Evelyn’s family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL Home & Cremation Centre, 585 Carlton St., on Thursday, December 7, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Interment Victoria Lawn Cemetery with light refreshments to follow at Darte Funeral home & Cremation Centre. Memorial remembrances made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or Cancer Research would be appreciated by her family. She will be missed by her family who love her dearly.