Annette Owchar

It is with profound sadness and loving memories that the family of Annette Owchar (nee Mahowich) announce that she has passed peacefully with her daughter by her side on December 16, 2022, in Fort McMurray, AB.

Annette is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Nick Owchar and their three children: Reg, Nicole (Shaun Cormier), and Greg along with four grandchildren: Emily Owchar, Anastacia Owchar (Garret Cooney), James Owchar, and Ayrton Owchar. Sisters: Marian (Raymond) Ewaskiw and Sally (Harold) Chamzuk, and brother Rocky (Gale) Mahowich. Sister-in-laws: Linda Cherniwchan and Debbie Owchar. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins (special cousin, Marlene Mahowich) and numerous friends.

Annette is predeceased by her parents Paul and Elizabeth Mahowich, siblings: Marianne (infant), Jimmy Mahowich, Carole Thibert, Lena Tietz; nephews Kyle Chamzuk and Jerry Owchar; Brother in-laws: Larry Cherniwchan, John Owchar and Mike Owchar; Mother-in-law, Minnie Owchar; Father-in-law, Bill Owchar.
Born on March 4, 1951, Annette worked hard all her life and she was always on the go! She farmed alongside her husband, Nick and often drove the grain truck with her kids in tow. As the kids grew older, Annette became a home support aide, and it was a job she excelled at due to her caring nature and strong work ethics.

Annette loved to garden and every year she’d say she’d reduce the garden size, but that never happened because she always wanted to make sure there were enough veggies for her kids and grandkids. She took great pride in everything she did. She loved spending time in her flower gardens which were almost as beautiful as she was. In the Fall, Annette enjoyed berry picking with her daughter and was often accompanied by her sister Sally and sister-in-law Linda. Annette always had a clean and organized house where everyone was always welcomed and never left hungry. She loved doing puzzles in the winter, was an avid reader, and enjoyed playing cards and board games, especially Yahtzee with her sister Sally and daughter, Nicole. In the evenings you could find Annette playing a mean game of crib with her husband. Who won the crib games? Well, it would depend on who you asked! Annette had quite the witty sense of humour and she was so much fun to be around. Annette loved to travel and made several trips with her daughter and son-in-law to Scotland, England, and Maui. She also traveled with her sisters to Yuma, AZ. When the kids were young, Annette, Nick and the kids usually went on vacation to Saskatchewan, Manitoba and to BC to visit family.

Family was important to Annette, and she always put others before herself. Annette never missed her kids’ report card/meet the teacher night and volunteered for several of the school events from baking cookies to being a teaching assistant in Reg and Nicole’s Kindergarten classes. Almost every year Annette hand made her kids Halloween costumes, and they were nothing short of amazing. Annette was talented at sewing and made outfits for her daughter’s barbies (and dolls) as well as making barbie furniture.

Annette had such a spark and determination about her and when combined with her intelligence - she was able to learn and do anything she set her mind to. Whatever Annette did, she did it well. She loved building and designing miniature doll houses with her sisters Sally and Marian. Annette and Sally could often be found visiting and designing furniture for their houses. Annette was a talented artist, and several family members and friends have Christmas Stockings gifted to them. Annette spent hundreds of hours on each of these stockings as they were mostly handmade and intricately designed and detailed for each individual with much thought, care, and generosity. If you have a stocking from Annette, know it was made from her heart with love.

Annette was an absolute gift to her family and the glue that held everyone and everything together. She touched the lives of all those who knew her as a special, one-of-a-kind, amazing, kind, and caring lady. She leaves behind a legacy that can’t be matched or erased. There is a void in our hearts, and we will miss her presence every single day. Until we meet again, we will carry those special memories of her to get us by. Special Thank you to family and friends who have shown such wonderful support and to the Surgical and ICU nursing staff at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre in Fort McMurray for taking such good care of her.

Per Annette's request, no service will be held; however, we will hold a small private family gathering later in the new year to celebrate her life.

“In our hearts we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one will ever fill” – Unknown.

Respectfully submitted by the Owchar family. 

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