A Life of Resilience and Devotion: Remembering Anna Kowal
Anna Kowal, a pillar of the Ukrainian community in Coniston, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on October 8th, 2020. Born in Khivchany, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine, on January 29th, 1928, Anna’s life was marked by resilience, kindness, and devotion to her family and community.
Traditional Ukrainian embroidery, a testament to Anna’s heritage
During World War II, Anna was forcibly taken by the Nazis to work as a slave laborer in Germany until 1945. This traumatic experience did not break her spirit, and she went on to build a life filled with love, family, and community.
After the war, Anna moved to Paris, France, where she met her husband, Eugene Kowal. They settled in Coniston, where Anna became a founding member of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church and served as President of the St. Michael’s Women’s League. Her dedication to her Ukrainian heritage was evident in her love for traditional Ukrainian cooking, sewing, and gardening.
Anna’s love for pickling and preserving was a testament to her resourcefulness and connection to her heritage
Anna’s kindness and generosity extended to her love for birds, which she enjoyed watching and feeding. Her family was her greatest joy, and she will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Eugene (predeceased in 2009), her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A family gathering, a testament to Anna’s love for her family
Anna’s legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the stories she shared about her community. As we remember Anna, we celebrate her strength, resilience, and devotion to her family and community.
Traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs, a symbol of new life and hope
Rest in peace, Anna. May your memory be eternal.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Northern Cancer Foundation or St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church would be appreciated.
