Victoria Viola (Vi) Howat
November 9th, 2020
Victoria Viola (Vi) Howat of Claresholm, AB passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2020 at the age of 98 years.
Vi (Mom, Mumsy, Nana, Nana Bear) was extremely devoted to her family and there wasn't anything she wouldn't do for them. Her daughters, grandkids, great-grandkids and great-great-grandkids thought the world of her. Vi also had many friends whom she loved and was always there for. She made everyone that she came in contact with feel like she had known them forever.
Vi was an educator for many years. When her husband, Manny, was diagnosed with Polio she went to Teachers college as she knew she would have to be the main breadwinner for her family. This was not an easy decision for her as she had to leave her three girls on the farm and go to Saskatoon. Times were hard but people tell us that she never complained, she knew what she had to do. She loved teaching and taught in Canwood, Prince Albert and Calgary where she became Principal in her last few years of teaching. She was a firm believer in education and for women in the workplace and we feel she paved the way for many of us in that regard. Vi encouraged many to go back to school even if it was in their older years. Vi was there for anyone who needed help with this, and would willingly provide advice, assistance and childcare if needed. She was also there for her family when they went through the trials and tribulations of life. Mumsy came through for us all!
As an artist she produced many beautiful watercolors. Our homes are full of all her artwork. She also encouraged creativity in her family. One of her grand-daughters wrote in pen on her brand-new leather car seats and all she said was, “well this is really good art”.
Mom’s faith was strong. She knew she was going to a better place. She always thanked God for her health. Mom lived in Independent Living until she was 98, was hardly sick a day in her life and for this she was thankful, as was her family. She loved Cottonwood Village and the residents and caregivers. She walked the halls everyday and as she passed each door; she would say a prayer for each of the residents. The Lord gave her her strength.
Mumsy loved to travel, she went to Europe, Hawaii, Arizona, Vancouver, the Hostfest in Minot, ND many times. She also would get in the car and drive to Claresholm (when she lived in Calgary) or Edmonton to visit her daughters and grandchildren. Nothing slowed her down and she was quite the speedy driver.
Mom is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Myrna Barteski, Lynne (Curtis) Mitchell and Lori (Kevin) English; ten grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and her sister, Alyce Snider. She was predeceased by her husband, Manny; her daughter, Donna, her grandson Brad, her father and mother, Ray & Esther; her sister, Grace; her son-in-laws, Ernie Barteski and Allan Willard.
We would like to thank the staff and residents of Cottonwood Village in Claresholm for the love and care they have shown Mom over the years. We also want to thank the Doctors and Nurses of the Claresholm General Hospital for the excellent care, love and kindness that they showed our Mom in her last few days.
We are asking that no flowers be sent but because Mom so loved Christmas if anyone wishes to donate you can donate to My City Care in Mom’s memory. https://myvictory.churchcenter.com/giving/to/claresholm-mycitycare
Fly high Mumsy!
Messages:
I loved Vi. I was her secretary at Richmond School and she was a mentor, a friend and a wonderful example of how we should treat others. I missed her when she moved to Claresholm, but we exchanged cards and had good phone calls. She was always so positive and uplifting. She loved her family and was so proud of everyone. Her wonderful art work will always give you special memories.
Vi was so much more than our neighbor and member of the church in Bonavista. She embraced our children (especially Melissa) and showed deep affection openly to us all. Her faith, laughter, art work, and love are imbedded in our hearts. She was truly an amazing, caring woman and we are blessed to have had her as friend. Pastor Murray and Lorrie
Hello Lynne, My sincere condolences to you in the loss of your mother. I too have lost a special friend. Vi and I had many wonderful spiritual talks, and I so appreciated her wisdom, gentle spirit and humble faith.. I will miss our telephone conversations, but I am so happy that she is now with our Lord Jesus Christ. May God comfort you in this time of sadness. Elaine
I love this smiling photo of my dear friend, who I lovingly called “my Mother Theresa.” We met when Vi moved to Claresholm, took art classes together, enjoyed the library travel nights, took drives, and became good friends. She is missed here at Cottonwood, but I know where she is, and that she is still smiling. My condolences to all of her family for the loss of such a special lady.
Vi was a beautiful soul - so wise, kind, humble, understanding and a lot of fun, too. I feel blessed to have worked with Vi at Colonel Scott School where she was an assistant principal. I especially admired Vi for her deep faith in God. Her down to earth words of wisdom were spiritually uplifting and made me feel more peaceful. I will always remember this special lady. My deepest sympathies go out to your family. She will certainly be missed. With Caring Thoughts, Loretta
Condolences from Heather and I to all the family on the loss of Vi. She was one of my mother Glenys' favourite people on earth, and growing up I loved Vi's stories and I remember how cool I always thought it was that she was a Principal. One of the smartest, kindest, and friendliest people I have had the good fortune to have spent time with. Take care everybody. -Dan Zastawny-
We are so sorry for your loss. Vi was a wonderful person who loved her family and would do anything for them. She will be missed by all. Sincere condolences to all of her family. May she rest in peace in God's loving hands.
Remember Mrs Howat well...really enjoyed knowing her and the family from the time they lived in Mawer Sask. Condolences to the families.
It was an honour to meet your mom at Cottonwood. Yes her faith kept her going and she was so good to Sherrill and I’m sure others. Your family has many memories of a special lady. My condolences to all your family’s
I feel so fortunate to have even met her. I know she was loved dearly by all your family and anyone who met her. Heaven became a better place with her in it.
Vi was such a good friend and mentor to me. I have one of her paintings hanging in our home. I have often mentioned what an example she has been to me. She made everyone feel like they were special. I hope that I can be the friend to others that she was to me. I look forward to that day of reunion when I see her in heaven. We send our love and condolences to her family. She will be missed. Kathy & Rob