Vera “Terys” McCowan

Obituary

Passed on

Vera “Terys” McCowan (Sotkowy) RN, long time resident of the Grosse Isle area, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 13th, 2024 at Stonewall Hospital with her family by her side, after nearly reaching the age of 91.

She was born in Summerberry, SK in 1933, the 6th of 12 children. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Capt. James W. McCowan. Terys received her RN diploma from the Regina Grey Nuns’ Hospital School of Nursing in 1955 and then went on to become a Flight Attendant for Trans Canada Airlines (Air Canada), travelling around the world from 1955-1960. Terys and Jim met briefly as children in SK, then crossed paths again in the mid 1950s during their flying careers. They wed in 1960 and Terys continued her OR nursing career at the old Grace Hospital on Arlington St. in Winnipeg. Terys and Jim bought a farm near Grosse Isle in 1970 and over the years, lovingly turned the old farm yard into an award winning rural property in 1995.

She gave up these exciting careers to become a full-time partner in farming with our father over the years—putting her heart and soul in to trucking grain, painting our house/barn, gardening, and raising her son James Garth, and her daughter Susan Terys. She participated in the Prairie Dog Central Train market for many years selling her famously delicious honey, pickles, jams/jellies and homemade pies from the back of their restored 1950 Chevy grain truck. In the 1970s, she served on the Interlake School Division Board of Trustees. Terys was selected to the Board of Governors at the University of Manitoba in the 80s. In addition, she spent countless hours working with the local Lions Club.

In their retirement years beginning in 1986, Mom and Dad motor-homed to many places in the US where they would enjoy the warm company of many lifelong friends, spending countless hours on the golf course.

Mom was known for her radiant smile, her never-ending help in all things community, her relentless work ethic, and her unwavering dedication and commitment to our farming family. Mom was meticulous in every job she tackled, and she taught us perseverance, accountability, gratitude, honesty, and compassion for others.

Mom was a proud, loving grandma to four amazing grandchildren and mother- in- law to Jim’s always supportive wife, Karen McCowan.

Mom wanted us to thank the many nurses, home care team, health care aides, EMS personnel, pharmacists and physicians who assisted her through her medical journey over the past year. With their help, she was able to live independently at her Lions Manor apartment in Stonewall until just 10 days before her passing. She and her family will be forever grateful for their kindness and compassion.

At Mom’s request, there will be no funeral service. She asked that her ashes be spread on the field behind the farm where Dad’s ashes lay. In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to the South West District Palliative Care Program, Stonewall, MB or the Harbour Lights Ministries in Arborg, MB.

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