1947 ~ 2021
We, the family, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Judi Kowalchuk on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at the Beausejour Hospital.
She was predeceased by her husband Bill; parents Kathleen and Richard Merke; sisters Bernice McDonald, Adriane Day and infant sister Peggy; brother Jerry Merke and brother-in-law Ernest Schreyer.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Renee; granddaughter Teagan and dog Sheera. She is also survived by her siblings Valerie Schreyer, Kenneth (Lisa) Merke; brother-in-law Gordon McDonald and David Day; sister-in-law Rose Rondeau and numerous nieces and nephews.
She had a life long career as a teacher with Agassiz School Division, touching the lives of many students. Judi was very creative and studied education and art in university; just a very creative person. The happiest days of her life was with Bill, the love of her life. In the later years she cherished time she spent with her dog, Sheera, that was like a child to her.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Ave. East, Beausejour, MB with interment following in the Beausejour Town Cemetery. Viewing will be held Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. also at the funeral home.
Due to COVID 19 restrictions, all attendees must be double vaccinated and proof of such will be required. Those who wish to attend may also do so by parking in the Sobering Funeral Chapel parking lot and tuning your radio to 98.1 FM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Society.
Offer Condolence for the family of JUDITH (JUDI) ANN KOWALCHUK (nee Merke)
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Eleanor Stefaniuk
I am so saddened to hear this news. Judy was a special person and we spent quality time together.
She attended our wedding and we attended hers. Very special memories I will cherish always.
Rest in peace Judy. You fought a long, hard battle.
Renee I am so sorry for your loss.❤
Joanne & Brian
Brian and I are so sorry to hear about Judy’s passing our thoughts are with you all at this time.
Dave Donahue
I am so very sorry to learn of Judi’s passing. Condolences to her family and friends.
Cindy Fosty
So sorry to hear of Judi’s passing. She always took time to speak with me.
Ann Okrainec
to Renee and family So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She suffered a long time. I have many personnel fond memories of Judy and our younger years. We would meet at Walmart in Selkirk a little back and laugh at old times. Ann Okrainec
Teresa gmiterek
I’M VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF JUDY’S PASSING. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO LOOK AFTER HER. DIDN’T MATTER
HOW MUCH PAIN SHE WAS IN, SHE ALSO LIKED TO HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH ME WHEN EVER I WAS THERE. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE WITH NO MORE PAIN. .
Joan Stone
Our sympathy to Judy’s family at this time of her passing. My friend Amy and I knew Judy for many years and we would visit back and forth between her homes in Beausejour and ours in Winnipeg. Amy, myself and my husband Neil were happy to share in Judy and Bill’s beautiful wedding. We were always in awe of Judy’s strength and courage in dealing with her arthritis. Rest In peace our friend Judy.
Marguerite and Ron Johnston
Ron Johnston and I are sorry for Judi Ann’s family’s loss.
Dianna Fosty
My Condolences to Judy’s family & friends,
May your memories be ones that give you comfort and are reminders of happier times. Rest In Peace, Judy.
Dianna
Sandra Meisner
With a heavy heart my condolences to Renee,Kenny ,& Valerie .My thoughts & prayers are with you. Judi your wings were ready, but our hearts were not.
Lorraine Drewlo
So sorry to learn of Judy’s passing. Judy & I were on the same Curling Team for couple Winters.
She was one tough lady, trying her best to play the game.
Rest in Peace Girl, you’ve earned it!!!
virginia LANOWAY
our sincere condolences to Judy’s family on her passing.She was a great person and will be missed greatly.
from Robert and Virginia Lanoway
Andree Day
My deepest sympathies to Renee, Teagan and family. May your memories sustain you through this difficult time.
Gisele & Steve
Our hearts go out to you. Cherish the memories.
Hugs Gisele & Steve
Garwood Robb
I’m sorry to read of Judi’s passing. Judi and I were in teachers training together in 1967-1968. We student taught together in William Whyte School. After graduation we lost touch. Seeing her obituary today recalled many fond memories of our Education 1A days. My sympathy to her daughter and family. I know how she’ll be missed.
Clifford and Gwen Veilleux
We were very sorry to hear of Judy’s passing Renee. Condolences to you and your family. Many thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May you cherish your many memories.
Margit MacCharles
To Judi’s Family I extend my most sincere and heartfelt sympathy. Your Family has lost so many loved ones. Judi was a wonderful person. Sadly the last time I saw her was at her Sister Bernice’s Memorial Service. Cherish and Treasure your memories.
Margit MacCharles (nee Kunz)
Carol Reid
So sorry to hear of Judi’s passing. My thoughts are with the family.
Judi and I used to have some great chat sessions.
Janice (newsham) Plishka
Condolences to Judy’s family. Judy was a big part of my childhood and even though I haven’t seen her in many years she still held a peace of my heart.
Trish Barbato, President & CEO, Arthritis Society
On behalf of the staff and volunteers of the Arthritis Society, we were very sorry to hear of Judi’s passing and we send our deepest condolences to her family and friends during these difficult days. Our hearts and prayers are with you. We express our gratitude to be named as a recipient of gifts in Judi’s memory to help carry on her legacy and support Canadians living with arthritis.
With sympathies,
Trish Barbato, President & CEO of the Arthritis Society
Renee Foubert
It’s been almost a year… I’ve had a hard time to let her go. I am so thankful to the Arthritis Society and every single member of it.
I am thankful for all that was done for my mother and give the truest thanks and send blessings to you and yours for helping me and mine. Xo Thank you so much and God Bless You
Nadine Welz
We will all miss Judi. My condolences to all of Judi’s family and friends. I will remember our times spent together with fond memories. I learnt too late of her funeral date. But have been thinking of her, and how she is no longer in pain. She would always ask about Don’s pain when we spent time together. We are so lucky to have had her in our lives.
Karen Hintz
So sorry to hear about Judy’s passing. Sincere sympathy to Judy’s daughter,granddaughter, her family and friends. After we no longer worked together, I always enjoyed our conversations when we met downtown in Beausejour.
Hazel Lindsay
Renee & family, I am sorry to learn of your moms passing. She is without pain now; is smiling down on you now. Do her proud my dear. God bless
Marlene lestition
To Judi’s family & friends sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful lady. Will miss those breakfasts with Judi at Annette’s Restaurant. Love and hugs to all
Terri Schwartz
Oh goodness, Renee…
I can’t tell you how sorry I am to hear of your mother’s passing.
Your mum was with me for a very large part of my teaching life and I hope I was part of hers. I taught next room to her at old Park Avenue School and across the hall from her for many years at Centennial School.
Before her retirement we often had lunch together and shared stories, jokes and yes, gossip, during those times. We shared materials, laughs, stories, and so much more.
Your mum was a very strong person…there were so many occasions when she went on with her teaching day despite the considerable pain and impairment caused by her arthritis. One of my most treasured memories of your mother is of helping her tie her shoes at the beginning of the day when her hands just weren’t up to the task. She was a proud women and it must have been hard to ask a colleague to do this for her. I am so blessed to feel that she could ask me to help her.
Please accept my most sincere condolences for the loss of your mum and Teagen’s grandmother.
JUDI, YOU WERE A GOOD ONE!
Cindy & Frank Behnke
Our condolences to you Renee, on the passing of your Mother, our cousin. We are saddened to hear of her passing. We pray that the precious memories you cherish will bring you through those rough moments in the days ahead. Praying to our Lord to bring you and your family strength and comfort.
Much Love ❤️
Cindy and Frank Behnke
Brent Wallberg
Very sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I met your mom at Annette’s restaurant. It was about two years ago and she was trying to open the front door to go into Annette’s and I could see she was struggling so I jumped off my motorcycle and ran to open the door for her. Pulling the door open she turned around and gave me the biggest smile I’d ever seen. From that day on we always said hi and she shared some memories of River Hills and her life. She really was a very special person. I will miss her.
Amy Soroka Lagsdine
In memory of my dearest friend ever ever ever. Judi…I cherish you ever day. I remember us. When we met? I was 17 you 19. Your birthday just passed August 16. I miss your voice…our crazy long talks about everything but maybe nothing. You were my best best friend. Love & hugs hugs hugs ❤️ Amy❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️