Stephanie (Bilonizka) Holowach

It is with great sadness, but profound gratitude for a life well lived, that the family announces the falling asleep in the Lord of Stephanie Holowach on December 3, 2017 at the age of 88. Stephanie was born on January 25, 1929 in Montreal to Tekla (Harasym) and Ivan Bilonizka. She had two older siblings, Bronislaw (Barney) Giborski and Anne Bohonos. Stephanie and her parents were members of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Church, where Stephanie attended Sunday and Ukrainian Schools and joined the Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association (SUMK). Here, she met the love of her life, Volodymyr (Walter) Holowach, and the two were wed on September 3, 1949. Their marriage was blessed with one daughter, Elaine. Stephanie helped the late Bohdan Panchuk set up the Ukrainian section at Radio Canada International. She was a secretary at the head office of the Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal, and later at an elementary school closer to home when her parents required more care. Stephanie played an active role in Montreal’s Ukrainian Orthodox community. She was a member of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada “Daughters of Ukraine” branch since 1954, where for many years, she held the positions of vice president, recording secretary, and corresponding secretary, and worked in the cultural-educational and fashion show committees. Stephanie taught Sunday School and belonged to the Misericordia Brotherhood at the parish. Stephanie and her husband lent their voices to the church and various secular choirs and were also youth advisors. When the family was transferred to Calgary in 1997, Stephanie and Volodymyr moved as well. They joined St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Congregation and continued their community involvement. Stephanie became a member of the Olha Basarab branch of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada and of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, and participated in the weekly gatherings of the Golden Age Club. The apples of Stephanie’s eye were her grandsons, Volodya and Markian. Upon her retirement in 1985, Stephanie spent countless hours with the boys, attending every school concert, musical recital, sports game, Ukrainian dance performance, and graduation ceremony with pride. Many fond memories were made on the family trips to Aruba, California, Walt Disney World, and various places in Canada. Stephanie has now joined her beloved husband of 63 years in God’s heavenly kingdom.

Stephanie will be sorely missed and always remembered by her loving daughter Elaine, her son-in-law Paul Amiot, and her cherished grandchildren Volodya (Stephen Keating) and Markian. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Maureen Holowach, her goddaughter Lisa Bell, numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends in Calgary and Montreal. Many thanks to the administration and staff at Walden Heights for their excellent care and compassion. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (404 Meredith Road NE) on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 7:30 P.M.  Funeral Service will be held at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (404 Meredith Road NE) on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. Graveside service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared with Stephanie’s family through www.evanjstrong.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Congregation (404 Meredith Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 5A6; 403-264-3437; http://www.stvlads.com/), St. Andrew’s College Foundation (29 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M7; 204-474-8895; www.umanitoba.ca/colleges/st_andrews/), or the Alzheimer Society of Calgary (800-7015 MacLeod Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2H 2K6​; 403-290-0110; www.alzheimercalgary.ca). Memory Eternal! Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES 403-265-1199

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