Margaret Rose Germain
Obituary
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at sunrise, Margaret Rose Germain (nee Holowachuk) peacefully passed away at the age of 83. Embraced by her loved ones, she entered eternal rest.
She is closely survived by her three children and five grandchildren. They made up the entirety of her world, leaving a void her family cannot fill. Daughter Tanya Kohut (Blaine), Son Kevin (Leanne) and Son Trevor Burkitt (Tanya). Grandchildren: Hailey and Ryleigh Germain, Caitlyne, Chelsea and Tim (Carley) Kohut.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents Dmytro and Yahasia (nee Siczkar) Holowachuk, reunited with her loving husband Kenneth Germain and her brothers: Ralph, Melvin and Emmanuel Holowachuk and sister: Vera Fortney. In-laws William and Jeanne Germain, Allan Fortney, Dorothy Ann Holowachuk, Dianne Germain, Steve Kowaliuk and Leanne Germain.
Marge was born in Dauphin, Manitoba on August 14th, 1941 which was during the end of the great depression and the start of World War II. Her father worked for the Canadian National Railways and her mother raised her and her siblings. Her childhood was spent between Dauphin, Pine River and Watson, SK. She claims to have learned everything from her loving parents. The value of a dollar, not to give up during hard times, to live without, have a good work ethic and to give back to your community.
On June 28, 1975, Marge married her soul mate Ken Germain. They were married for forty-five years, until Ken’s passing on March 19th, 2021. She continued to reside by herself in St. Malo with her best dog companion Brandi until her recent passing. The family shared countless adventures together. Traveling to many Ukrainian Dance Festivals, the Black Hills, family reunions in Alberta and an Alaskan Cruise.
Marge was our “go to” when life got rough and our comfort when we needed clarity. She was known as a straight shooter and always got her point across. She was so determined to keep going and always gave 110%. Marge worked for many years at the St. Malo Sewing Factory. She was an accomplished Seamstress. When her children attended Sarto Polevnyi Ukrainian Dance Club, she assisted with costume design and creation. When the sewing factory closed, she began her career as a Healthcare Aide and retired in 2010.
Despite responsibilities, she always made time for her family, friends and community. Mom’s hobby and interests helped define who she was. She was a woman of generosity and integrity. Marge was a worker bee. She volunteered with various positions on The Pansy Hall Committee, serving over 25 years. She also served on the Tolstoi Ukrainian Catholic Parish of the Sacred Heart Cemetery Committee and the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada for over 20 years. She put in so many hours in these non-profits where great friendships were made. Her presence will be deeply missed by all.
Marge had a love of gardening. One of the rules in her garden was “one for me and one for the rabbits.” She always told us that gardening was about the past, present and future. When ambling through her gardens she would point out where certain plants and flowers came from. She enjoyed providing fresh produce to her friends and family.
Marge was the heart of our home and family. She loved preparing meals and sending us big care packages home. She will be remembered for her delicious butter tarts, fluffy pampushky, luscious punch and knockout asian delight. She was also know as the 10 for $10 Baba. Every time a sale would come up at the local Co-op with things we needed, she would always stock up. We never left her home empty handed.
Marge also loved bringing hot meals to the field especially during Harvest-time. She would not let the crew go hungry. Preparing Harvest-time field meals became a tradition for her. The meals would provide a boost of energy and a connection to home after her boys put in long hours. CFRY 920AM, Polka Hour would be playing in background. Her love of cooking continued for her grandchildren. Every Tuesday was Selo Ukrainian Dance Night, a homemade delicious meal for Hailey and Ryleigh would be waiting for them after school. She looked forward to seeing them each week and sending them off with full bellies to continue preserving our Ukrainian heritage. Seeing them perform at Folklorama, festivals, recitals and competitions was a highlight for her. She would always tell the girls how proud she was of them.
The family would like to thank and acknowledge Dr. Kiannaz Kiani from the St. Pierre Medical Clinic for her years of care and Dr. Patricia Harris from the Winnipeg Clinic with her vast knowledge in treating Cancer. Throughout the years these two doctors provided life-saving treatments to extend our time with our Mom and Baba. Many thanks to the doctors and staff at Steinbach Bethesda Emergency Unit, The Palliative Care Team through Southern Health, Birchwood Funeral Chapel and the support of family & friends.
As per her wishes, cremation has taken place. Marge never wanted to be the center of attention, so her services will be private for immediate family members only and invited guests.
Before she passed she made it known she wanted us to share a laugh and to raise a glass in celebration of her journey.
Vichnaya Pamyat / Eternal Memory
