ISABELLA KATHE GROMOW

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ISABELLA KATHE GROMOW It is with great sadness the family of Isabella Gromow announces her sudden passing on April 4, 2017. Predeceased by son Victor Gromow (1971) and husband William Gromow (1979). Survived by daughter Sonja Carney (John Carney); and grandchildren, Sean Carney (Susan Dietz) and Heather Carney. Born November 25, 1928, in Poland, Isabella immigrated after the Second World War to New Hamburg, Ontario. Without friends or family in a new country she taught herself to fluently speak English by listening to the radio. She worked as a housekeeper and cook for several families, including the late author Edna Staebler, until Isabella married William and moved to Kitchener-Waterloo. Isabella was tireless, working full-time in factories by day and cooking, cleaning and ironing late into the evening. After the deaths of her son and husband she retired and moved in with Sonja and John and their children. Isabella became known as Omi to all who met her. Every year the neighbourhood children looked forward to demolishing her elaborate gingerbread houses. In retirement, Isabella finally had the time to unleash her creativity. She was a perfectionist and excelled in everything she tried, baking, cooking, cross-stitching, knitting, sewing, crocheting, sketching, gardening and flower arranging. She also loved to fish. Isabella learned to drive a car when she was 51 and loved the freedom it gave her. Every summer she would pack her bags and tell her family she would be gone for several weeks. Not knowing where she was heading she would just turn onto roads that looked interesting. After several days she would call her family and announce she was in California. She was fearless, driving across Canada and the United States by herself, happy to sleep in her car if she couldn't find a hotel room. In 2003 she moved to Winnipeg to rejoin her family after John's job transfer. She loved the Prairies and enjoyed daily walks in FortWhyte Alive. Omi loved playing cards with her family and her weekly brunches with John at Cora's. John was like a son to Omi, and they spent countless hours together going for walks and playing rummy. Isabella was an excellent caregiver and volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Personal Care Homes in Kitchener-Waterloo and in Winnipeg. She was fiercely independent, feisty, and witty. She will be deeply missed by her family. In accordance with her wishes a private family memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Isabella's charity of choice, The Canadian Cancer Society. INTEGRITY Cremation & Funeral Planning 204-295-5408 - IntegrityDeathCare.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 08, 2017