Obituary of Josephine Victoria Lampel (nee Kowalchuk)

“Auntie Jo”
November 2, 1941 - May 5, 2022

 

“I like people who remember where they came from;

people with a sense of humor, who aren’t afraid to laugh at themselves.”

 

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Josephine Victoria Lampel, beloved wife of the late John Paul Lampel.

 

Josephine was born in Canora, SK to Karoline and Julian Kowalchuk. She was the thirteenth child of fifteen living in a home filled with love, faith, fun and a strong work ethic. Josephine was proud of her humble beginnings, growing up on the farm surrounded by family.

 

In 1964, in a country church near the family farm, Josephine married her soulmate, John Lampel.  They lived in Winnipeg for a year and moved to Calgary in 1965. Josephine worked at Montreal Trust Co, but eventually transferred her administrative skills to work for the Calgary Board of Education. Josephine spent her leisure time travelling to visit family and taking trips abroad, volunteering at Holy Spirit Parish, and participating in her weekly bowling league. She was happy to host visitors to her home, catching up with the news and challenging her guest/s to a game of cards. Josephine spent quiet time in prayer, taking comfort in prayers to God our Father, Jesus our Savior, and Mother Mary; her home filled with reminders of our Christian faith.

 

Josephine and John had no children of their own, but truly loved children. They were a caring auntie and uncle to all their nieces and nephews, generously giving time and attention.  Auntie Jo was an enthusiastic auntie to all, whether she was related to them or not. Auntie Jo especially enjoyed giving unsolicited advice, teasing, or playing jokes, and laughing with us, but she was also available to listen, provide a hug or give us a pep-talk when needed. We were proud of our spunky Auntie Jo and shared her with our friends. 

 

Josephine is survived by her brothers, Adolph (Esther), Edmund (Stella), Bernard (Betty), Anton (Lucy), Arthur (Charlotte), and Chester (Leona); sisters, Isabelle (Edward) Nichol, and Julia Mazur; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Kowalchuk and Rose Kowalchuk; and numerous nieces, nephews. Josephine is also survived by John’s sisters and their families, Mary Caveza, Anne (Ed) Podaima, Rose (Len) Hiebert and Liz (Wayne) Hedin. Josephine was predeceased by her husband John Lampel (March 9, 2004); parents, Julian and Karoline Kowalchuk; brothers, Stanley, Emil, August, and Lawrence; and sisters, Magdalen (John) Bugera and Gertrude (Johnny) Becenko; brother-in-law Ernest Mazur, and sister-in-law, Elsie Kowalchuk; and cherished niece, Jesara Nichol.

 

The family extend their appreciation and thanks to Sally and Jerry, Paulette and Tom, and Vickie and Roger, who supported Josephine and John with years of friendship; as well, Angie, Helen, Val, Yvonne, Mary, Theresa and the church support group.

 

Even though Josephine’s failing heart took her away from this world, her loving heart left a beacon of light for all family and friends.

 

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Holy Spirit Church (10827 24th St SW, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, May 15, 2022. Visitation is from 4:00 p.m., followed with Prayers at 5:00 p.m. 

 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Internment to follow at Eden Brook (Holy Family Section) Cemetery. Father David Meadows will officiate at Josephine’s prayers and mass. Family and friends are invited to join Josephine’s service streamed live on Monday, May 16, 2022, at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. For those unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

 

In lieu of flowers, as per Josephine’s request – memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119-14^th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca, STARS Air Ambulance, 1441 Aviation Park  N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7, Tel; 403-295-1811; www.stars.ca, or the Veterans Association Food Bank, #10 820 28th Street NE Calgary, AB, T2A 6K1, 403-367-8387.

 

In living memory of Josephine Lampel, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

 

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Josephine's Memorial Card can be viewed by clicking here