Obituary of Pauline Lena Bowal

Pauline "Lena" Bowal

(July 17, 1931 - May 21, 2022)

Pauline Lena Bowal of Camrose, Alberta, formerly of Round Hill, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the age of 90 years, with many of her family members able to say their goodbyes. 

Lena was born on July 17, 1931 in Camrose, the 3rd child of Joseph and Annie Kushnerik. Lena grew up on the Kushnerik farm south of Round Hill and attended Kulaway school. She met the love of her life, Jack Bowal, at a wedding where they were both in the wedding party. They were married on May 24, 1952 and they celebrated 64 years of marriage. They welcomed 6 children into their family. Living on the Bowal family homestead, as a young bride, Lena was an integral part of every aspect of farm life, learning all the things a farm wife needed to know. Raising and butchering chickens, growing a huge garden, all the while caring for their young family. 

Lena was an active member of the Round Hill community. Her door was always open, coffee pot on and a tasty treat ready for visits from neighbours, family and friends. After 34 years on the farm, they made the decision to move to Camrose, where they started their semi-retirement. Lena’s time was spent volunteering with Meals on Wheels, CWL and also providing child care for several families. Lena will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren for her special meals that only grandma could provide. Made with so much love always tasted delicious! Some of Lena’s hobbies included her tending to her flower garden, crafts and spent hours doing puzzles. Lena always mentioned how very lucky they were to have wonderful neighbours, both on the farm and in town. 

Lena is survived by her children, Bob, Don (Paula), Darryl, Sharon (Larry) Wright, Betty Ann (James) McEathron, Jim (Sheri); 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild; extended family; Terri Ross, Patsy and Stephanie Drysdale; 2 brothers and 1 sister; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband Jack, and her parents Joe and Annie Kushnerik.

A Funeral Mass was held Monday, May 30, 2022 at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Kris Schmidt. A recording of the Funeral Mass will be found on the St. Francis Xavier website https://stfxcamrose.caedm.ca/ under "Recorded Masses," once made available by the church. 

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Lena's memory may be made to St. Stanislaus Cemetery Fund, St. Francis Xavier Church Building Fund, or the Camrose Hospice Society.