1913-2013
Born in Garland, Manitoba on January 6th, 1913 and passed away on November 7, 2013 at the Comox Valley Seniors Village.
Mom was born on January 6th, the eve of epiphany. She grew up on a farm in Ethelbert, Manitoba. At the age of 15 she went to work in Winnipeg. That’s where she met my Dad Norm. They were married in Niagara Falls, New York and within days Dad was sent overseas as a Bofus anti aircraft gunner instructor. Mom then worked in an ammunitions factory in Toronto making the shells Dad would be firing. They were stationed in Halifax on his return and then made their way to Courtenay in 1946. They worked hard on their 5 acres on Willemar Ave. and equally as hard at their jobs in Courtenay. At the time they were known as Mr. and Mrs. Simpson Sears on 5th St., then Mom went to manage Robinsons store.
Mom was a proud member of the Canadian Daughters and was also a member of the Ukrainian Club as well as Business and Professional woman and the Canadian legion. Exemplary work ethics ad a generous giving spirit saw her through many trying times. We celebrated her 100th birthday and 40 family and friends came to bring their good wishes.
She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Irene Tycholis. Husband Norman H. Howarth, three sisters, one brother, first son-in-law Jim Pettman.
Survived by daughter, Norma Jean Leakey (Ed) grandchildren David, Deborah and Anne. Great-grandchildren, Gavin, Iain, Grace, Anna and Shelby.
Thank you to Dr. Olga Lamykina for her care and kind attention, also the nurses and caregivers at the Comox Valley Seniors Village.
A private family burial took place at the Courtenay Civic Cemetery on November 13, 2013.
A church service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 21st at 1:00 PM from the Church of St. John The Divine. A reception in the church hall will follow the service.