February 22, 1952 – May 13,2021
With immeasurable sadness and extremely broken hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved wife and mother, Sharon Donna Soloway (Kowalewich), gone way too soon at aged 69. Sharon passed peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours on Thursday, May 13th after a brief illness.
Sharon was an angel with a beautiful soul who loved fiercely and selflessly and touched the lives of everyone she knew, making us all better people and richer in spirit for having the joy and privilege of having her in all our lives. As a daughter, sister, wife, proud mother and grandmother, aunty, and best friend, she had a special and unique relationship with each of us. Her innate ability to comfort, support, encourage, advise and raise people up with her love, kindness, energy and giving spirit, was matched only by her quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor. She was a spitfire, and a master of the kitchen, sewing machine, and the fishing boat, often modestly outshining us all. She was well known for her delicious family dinners, homemade Irish Cream, and her world-famous wild strawberry jam. Her creativity and meticulous attention to detail crafted many stunning quilts and afghans.
Born February 22, 1952 as the middle child and only daughter to Michael and Anne Kowalewich (Daniels), she spent the first part of her life growing up in the Cowan/Ethelbert area with her parents and brothers Don and Earle. As a teenager, she met and fell in love with a handsome, blonde young man from Pine River, Dennis Soloway who later became her husband and was her loving partner of 57 years. Soon opportunity took them up to Gillam, MB where they worked and lived for 38 years; Sharon working for the airlines, Dennis for Manitoba Hydro. There, they raised their 2 children Melanie and Dennis, and made many dear, life-long friends who became extended family, especially among the cabin community. Later in life, they retired to Pinawa, where she spent the last 15 years enjoying bonfires, gardening, hummingbirds, morel and berry picking, and time spent fishing out at their seasonal trailer at Wanipigow with her brother Don, his wife Vi, and a few close friends. She especially looked forward to August long weekend when her brother Earle and sister-in-law Barb from Calgary would join everyone for a week or two, laughing and joking around the fire. She delighted in becoming a grandmother and loved her new grandson Cody more than words could express.
Sharon is survived by her mother Anne Kowalewich, brothers Don and Earle (Barb) Kowalewich, her husband Dennis Soloway, her children Melanie Mitchell (Phill) and Dennis Soloway (Scottie),her grandchildren Cody, Christine, Phillip, and Samantha, brother in-laws Doug and Les (Gloria) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Sharon was pre-deceased by her father Michael Kowalewich in 1983 and her sister-in-law Violet in 2020.
Sharon was a shining light and she will be missed beyond words. To say we are all shocked and devastated beyond belief is an understatement. We would like to thank everyone who has reached out with kindness, sympathy, support and comfort at this extremely difficult time.
Final arrangements have been made care of Sobering Funeral Chapel in Beausejour, please see the website for more details. As per her wishes, there will be no service. Sharon will be cremated, and then brought home to rest with her family until such time as we can have a private family Celebration of Life in her honor.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.
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Lisa Thomas
Deepest condolences to the family! Everything she was to you she was to everyone she met. I am so saddened for your loss! God bless you all.
doreen backer
Harry and I are shocked and saddened to hear of Sharon’s passing. We are thinking of all of you and pass our condolence’s to all of the family.
Arthur & Susan Rein
We are so sorry for your loss Dennis.
Cathleen kowaluk
My deepest condolences to Dennis and Don and families God Bless ✨
Sonia and Adrian Boyko (Kolisnyk)
Dennis and family! So sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Вічна її Пам’ять! ☦️ Memory Eternal!
Darlene, & John Watt
Our deepest heartfelt condolences Dennis and family, as well as Anne Kowalewich and family, in your sudden loss. Sharon was a wonderful, friendly, ball of energy, with such expressive laughter that filled a room, and an unmatched inclusiveness. All those things you describe here, are also true for everyone with whom she interacted. We haven’t seen her for years, yet it feels like yesterday with a personality that stays with you, and puts a smile on your face. She will remain in so many hearts and memories. So sad for you all, it was way too soon. Take comfort if you can, that she passed peacefully. Take care!
Bev Dougall
To the family I send sincere condolences. I only knew Sharon as an acquaintance but her kindness and friendliness whenever we met always shone through. I am so sorry for your loss. Bev Dougall
Janet and Terry Soloway
Dennis and family. Terry and I are heartbroken to hear about Sharon. We have so many fond and fun memories spent with Sharon and you. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Ann and Myrcel Nychuk
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family Dennis. Shocked and saddened to here this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. A poem by David Haskins I read when I am missing those we have lost ….. You can shed tears that they are gone. Or you can smile because they have lived. You can close your eyes and pray that they will come back. Or you can open your eyes and see all that they have left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see them or you can be full of the love they have shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday. Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember them and only that they are gone. Or you can cherish their memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back . Or you can do what she would want: Smile, open your eyes, love and go on❤️
Martha M Froese
So sorry for the loss of you dear Sharon. Always looked forward to serving her at the store, and having a laugh at the smart remarks she came up with. Martha Froese
Gary Hanna
Dennis, Mel Dennis Jr & families our sincere condolences on the loss of Sharon. Sharon was blessed with a very sharp & quick wit wither its was @ Calm Air @ Gillam or the Solo in Pinawa. I always enjoyed chatting with Sharon always left with a smile. God Bless All!
Gary & Kathy Hanna
John & Georgina Kerr
Dennis ,Mel and Dennis JR
Sharon will be missed by everyone she touched. Our deepest sympathy
John and Georgina
Steve & Noreen Martin
Dennis, Melanie and Dennis Jr. Our condolances to all of you on the loss of a wonderful lady, we were so saddened to hear of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Rest in peace Sharon.
Rhoda Cook
Dennis and family please accept my condolences on the passing of Sharon. My prayers are with you.
Nancy Miller
Dennis and family.
Sending you our sincere condolences on the passing of Sharon.
Nancy and Scott Miller
Sally Young
Sending peace and comfort to you Dennis, Dennis Jr Melanie and all your family. So very sad to hear the loss of your dear wife , mother, grandmother and friend to many. It is never easy losing our loved ones. May you find comfort in all the warm memories, and remembering the fun times you had together. Sincere condolences,
God bless
Sally Young
(Former Gilliamite)
Janine Spence
Sincerest Condolences to the Soloway Family. Sharon was such a sweet lady! Sending you love and prayers as you go thru this difficult time. xoxo
Allan Nelson
We are so saddened to hear of Sharon’s untimely passing. We’ll always remember her quick wit and infectious smile . Our deepest sympathy to you and your family, Dennis. Al and Shirley Nelson
Diane Harpin
Dennis, Melanie and Dennis Jr. and family. Our deepest condolences for your loss. Sharon was one of the first people I met when I lived in Gillam. She was truly one of a kind. We not only were neighbours but good friends. I fondly remember our “midnight snacks” and back yard chats, and many laughs. She leaves behind fond memories. She will be so missed.
Diane & Mike Harpin
Cynthia Young (Kadachuk)
I send my deepest sympathy for Dennis Melanie and Dennis Jr. I always remember your mom, she would give the children hack and they would listen to her and she was so small, but such a firecracker. Her laugh, her whitt, I remember how talented she was blessing me with the most beautiful dress for grad. My heart aches with you for such a loss. Bless you all, take care of each other, your in my prayers
Pat and Maryann Reibin
Our deepest condolences to Dennis and family
Jacqi Hicks
My condolences. Sharon was always so bubbly, defiantly a shining light. May all your wonderful memories be of comfort forever. Thinking of you all.
Eastman SnoPals
We were shocked and saddened when we read of the sudden passing of Sharon. Your friends at the Eastman SnoPals are thinking of you and hope that in some way our thoughts will help you through this time of loss.
With greatest sympathy and respect
The Directors, members and Families of the Eastman SnoPals Inc.
Adeline Wozney
Dennis and Family. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I will remember the times we met either at the lake or family functions. Remember the good times, shelve the others. Time eases the pain even though it never goes away. Haley, Geoffrey and I send our thoughts and prayers to you.
Rob and Darlene Barbe
Our heartfelt condolences to Dennis and family. Treasure the memories.
Larry Gauthier
My most sincere condolences to the Soloway family.
I’m sure Sharon leaves many happy family memories.
Darrell Howes and Louise Stevenson
Like everyone, we are shocked and saddened by Sharon’s sudden passing. Our condolences go out to you Dennis and your family .
Brenda and Ray Lesyk
We’re so sad to hear about Sharon’s passing. Our condolences to everyone.
Lynn White
My deepest condolences on the sudden passing of this beautiful woman. She has touched the lives of so many.
Elizabeth (Argall) Andrews
Dennis, Melanie & Dennis jr. I am shocked that such a good person has left us. I know Dennis that you and Sharon have had a wonderful life, experienced life’s ups and downs, 2 children and a grandchild! I know it is hard to go on without tears in your eyes and an ache in your heart; it will get easier. We’ve all done it before. There is a reason for everything. For now turn to your family, the three of you, it will be fine… Take care and know you are in everyone’s thoughts. Eliz’th
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on the snow.
I am the sweet uplifting rain.
Jeff Wasylucha
I’m shocked to have learned the passing of Aunty Sharon. She was a gentle soul. Always enjoyed her company and witty style. Gone too soon. Had pleasure to see her and Denise a few years ago in Calgary. Sorry for your loss….thinking of her. Rest in peace with the Angels.
Denise Robertson
My condolences to the family. I am Saddened and shocked. Sharon was one of the most real and beautiful people I have ever met in my life. The greatest personality ever. Rest In Peace Sharon
Town of Gillam
Town of Gillam Mayor and Council would like to send our deepest condolences to Dennis Soloway Sr. and family. We will be making a donation in honor of Sharon to the heart and stroke foundation. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Connie stubbard
To Dennis Melanie DJ and all your family
We are so sad and sorry for your loss.
Sharon was such a special lady. mom and I and Brent are thinking of you all and wish we could be there to help or do something for you please just remember you are in our thoughts always.
Love
Brent and Connie Stubbard
Henry Huewan
Thoughts and prayers Dennis and family.
Glen Soloway
Hello All family , so shocked and sad to hear of Sharon, my sister-in-law’s passing. She was a dear, kind and fun loving sister-in-law . She will be missed by us all. Gone too soon. My heart felt condolences to the family. This is Glen Soloway, will miss you Sharon. May God comfort you all by His caring spirit at this time.
Deanna Brenzavich
Dear Dennis & Family; So sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Love from your cousins, Dianne Brenzavich and Ed Soloway.
Cynthia Massan
She was a mom to me, spent a lot of time at her house as a teenager. I will truly miss her. Sending healing prayers to you all.
ted and Judy Drabik
Dear Dennis, Melanie and Dennis
Ted and I were stunned and oh so saddened to hear of Sharon’s sudden passing- we were looking forward to lunch once this blasted virus was gone – my fondest memory is Sharon becoming my first friend in Gillam – which made the move so much easier – and to Dennis for being such a good friend to Ted – you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time
Ted and Judy
Charity Schedlosky
So sorry for your loss. Sharon was a wonderful woman and will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Richard and Myrna Suski
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Nadine Horsman (Antonchuk)
With a heavy heart and eyes filled with tears I pass my deepest condolences onto the Kowalewich family. My you forever cherish the beautiful memories that were created as a family and keep them in your heart forever. Love and hugs to everyone.
Lisa
An angel in my life. I continue to remember her that way, always.
My thoughts and deepest condolences