Josephine Kathleen (Litwin) Klymkiw

Josie passed away peacefully in the presence of her daughter Roxanne (Ron) and her son Mark (Peggy) at Riverview Health Centre on December 8, 2018 at the age of 88. She is loved and remembered always by her grandchildren Joseph, Natasha, Alycia, and Stephanie. Josie was predeceased by her parents, Martin and Rose Litwin, and her beloved husband of 64 years, Bohdan “Boxy” Klymkiw.

Josie and Boxy worked together, running B & D Plumbing and Heating, a successful mechanical contracting company, from 1960 until 1999. They are both respected “Pioneers” of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Manitoba and together they attended many conferences and conventions related to their business.

They sang together, as members of the O. Koshetz Choir, travelling the world and promoting Ukrainian culture at home and abroad. They served their community together, supporting each other in their many board positions and fundraising efforts. They raised a family together, were involved in all aspects of their grandchildren’s lives, and went to great lengths to take care of others in need, especially their elderly relatives.  Now they are together again to dance, sing and laugh with friends and family that went before them.

Josie was appointed to the first Advisory Council on the Status of Women for the Province of Manitoba in 1980. She served for many years with the Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada, Winnipeg Branch, including that of President and then National President for a 3-year term.  In 1996 Josie was nominated for the YM/YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, and that same year was named Alpha Omega Alumnae “Woman of the Year”.  She was an accomplished public speaker and was a mentor to many for her unique ability to balance work, family and community service.

The family would like to thank the staff of the A/B Dementia wards at Riverview Health Centre for their diligent efforts for the past 6 years.

Prayers will be at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main Street, on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m.  Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Michael Buyachok on Wednesday, December 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 115 McGregor Street, with interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations will be greatly appreciated to Riverview Health Centre Foundation, 1 Morley Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R3L 2P4, or to the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre, Oseredok, 184 Alexander Ave. E., Winnipeg MB, R3B 0L6.

VICHNAYA PAMYAT

KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL

204-956-2193

www.korbanchapel.com