April 13, 1950 – September 2, 2022
Her life yet to live, her love still to give.
Our daughter, wife and mother has left us too early following a four-year battle with cancer. Pre-deceased by her father John Trembach, she leaves behind to mourn her passing her mother Anne Trembach of Saskatoon; her husband Jerry; her daughter Odessa (Nathan McClaflin); her sisters-in-law Halia (Colin MacLean) and Susan (John Beers); and several cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family; as well as countless friends and former professional colleagues.
Loverne was born in Saskatoon but grew up in small-town Saskatchewan where her parents taught school before settling in Saskatoon where Loverne began grade school. Upon completing her first two years at the U of S studying art education, she married and moved to Edmonton to complete her degree at the U of A. She began a 35-year career with Edmonton Public Schools as a teacher of kindergarten, during which time her decision to work with “the littles” became her professional passion. With an added Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, she continued teaching beginners until her retirement as one of the most highly-respected early childhood teachers in the city.
Retired, she took a year to convince herself that she wanted to remain involved in children’s lives. And having always loved dance, including spending a decade as a performer and choreographer with the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, she began a second career, filling the multiple roles of receptionist, seamstress and cheerleader, among others, at her daughter’s dance studio, all tasks that she happily undertook as they gave her an opportunity to remain closely involved in the artistic lives of children. During this time, upon her medical diagnosis, she became deeply involved in advocacy work about the importance of early detection and securing evidence-based treatment for people living with lung cancer.
A prayer service for Loverne will be held on Friday, September 16, at 7 pm at St. Albert Funeral Home, 9 Muir Drive, St. Albert, with Rev. Fr. Peter Haugen officiating. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
The family wishes to thank the medical and palliative support staff of Covenant Foyer Lacombe for the gracious, compassionate care they provided to make Loverne’s final days tenderly peaceful.
Respectfully in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Loverne Anne Wowk 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta
Our deepest condolences Jerry, Odessa , Halya and Collin. Loverne was a beautiful soul who touched so many. She will be missed. You May she rest in peace. 🙏
It is with great sadness that we learn about the passing of Loverne. She was undoubtedly one of the most cherished in the Shumka family. Deepest condolences to you Jerry and your family.