June 25, 1920 – May 27, 2016
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eva Fiona Towpich, or Baba as she was known by everybody in the community, on Friday May 27, 2016 at the age of 95 years.
Eva was born on June 25, 1920 at Beauvallon, Alberta.
Eva met Michael Towpich and after a whirlwind courtship of two weeks, they were married on November 2, 1939, at the Ukrainian Church at Luzan, Alberta.
Eva and Michael moved to Eaglesham in 1941 to homestead and together they raised six children and farmed until their retirement in 1978. Eva and Michael stayed on the farm after retirement and enjoyed travelling and visiting family and friends. After Michael passed away in 1992, Eva kept herself busy with gardening, crocheting, reading and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was famous for her fried chicken, perogies and cabbage rolls.
Eva spent many years as a canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Society and she belonged to the Eaglesham Senior Centre. Eva loved to sing and dance and was always helping out at the seniors’ functions that included music, food and fun. In the spring of 2009, Eva suffered a stroke and was then moved into long term care.
Eva passed away peacefully with family present at the Fairview Long Term Care Facility. She will be sadly missed by all of those who knew her.
Eva was predeceased by her parents Wasyle and Odocia Ripka; her husband of 52 years, Michael Towpich; sisters Annie Koban, Maria Woloshyn and Frozina Gorgichuk; and brothers John Ripka, Victor Ripka, David Ripka and Silver Ripka. There were two daughters who passed away in infancy, Wilma May and Bernice Towpich.
Eva is survived by her sisters Zenovia Ripka, Jennie Marianych and Lena Tkach; and children, Gloria Mazurkewich (good friend Ben Hovelkamp), Marjorie Schuh (Ewald), Wayne Towpich (Dianne), David Towpich, Josephine Norton (Jeff), Lawrence Towpich (Val) along with 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A private interment was held on Thursday June 2, 2016 at the Pleasant Heights Cemetery at Eaglesham, Alberta.
Minister Dave Squires officiated and a Celebration of Life will be held on July 9, 2016, at 11 a.m. in Eaglesham. A lunch will follow.
Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Fairview Long Term Care Facility or the charity of one’s choice.