Victoria Viola (Vi) Howat of Claresholm, AB passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2020 at the age of 98 years.
Vi (Mom, Mumsy, Nana, Nana Bear) was extremely devoted to her family and there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them. Her daughters, grandkids, great-grandkids and great-great-grandkids thought the world of her. Vi also had many friends whom she loved and was always there for. She made everyone that she came in contact with feel like she had known them forever.
Vi was an educator for many years. When her husband, Manny, was diagnosed with Polio she went to Teachers college as she knew she would have to be the main breadwinner for her family. This was not an easy decision for her as she had to leave her three girls on the farm and go to Saskatoon. Times were hard but people tell us that she never complained, she knew what she had to do. She loved teaching and taught in Canwood, Prince Albert and Calgary where she became Principal in her last few years of teaching. She was a firm believer in education and for women in the workplace and we feel she paved the way for many of us in that regard. Vi encouraged many to go back to school even if it was in their older years. Vi was there for anyone who needed help with this, and would willingly provide advice, assistance and childcare if needed. She was also there for her family when they went through the trials and tribulations of life. Mumsy came through for us all!
As an artist she produced many beautiful watercolors. Our homes are full of all her artwork. She also encouraged creativity in her family. One of her grand-daughters wrote in pen on her brand-new leather car seats and all she said was, “well this is really good art”.
Mom’s faith was strong. She knew she was going to a better place. She always thanked God for her health. Mom lived in Independent Living until she was 98, was hardly sick a day in her life and for this she was thankful, as was her family. She loved Cottonwood Village and the residents and caregivers. She walked the halls everyday and as she passed each door; she would say a prayer for each of the residents. The Lord gave her her strength.
Mumsy loved to travel, she went to Europe, Hawaii, Arizona, Vancouver, the Hostfest in Minot, ND many times. She also would get in the car and drive to Claresholm (when she lived in Calgary) or Edmonton to visit her daughters and grandchildren. Nothing slowed her down and she was quite the speedy driver.
Mom is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Myrna Barteski, Lynne (Curtis) Mitchell and Lori (Kevin) English; ten grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and her sister, Alyce Snider. She was predeceased by her husband, Manny; her daughter, Donna, her grandson Brad, her father and mother, Ray & Esther; her sister, Grace; her son-in-laws, Ernie Barteski and Allan Willard.
We would like to thank the staff and residents of Cottonwood Village in Claresholm for the love and care they have shown Mom over the years. We also want to thank the Doctors and Nurses of the Claresholm General Hospital for the excellent care, love and kindness that they showed our Mom in her last few days.
We are asking that no flowers be sent but because Mom so loved Christmas if anyone wishes to donate you can donate to My City Care in Mom’s memory. myvictory.churchcenter.com/giving/to/claresholm-mycitycare
Fly high Mumsy!
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Victoria Viola Vi Howat November 9th 2020..
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services
Death notice for the town of: Airdrie, Province: Alberta