The family of Louise Kowalewski (nee Kenney) is saddened to announce her passing on October 21, 2026, at the age of 78 years.

She will be lovingly remembered in his heart by her husband of 55 years, John; her daughter Kasia (Tracey) and son Matthew (Leana); her sister Sue (Jim); her sister-in-law Margaret; as well as nieces, nephews and innumerable friends and neighbours. 

Louise was born to William (Bill) Kenney and Jeannine Robert in Galt, Ontario, in 1948. An avid seamstress from a young age, Louise's love of fashion and shoes led her to study retail management at Ryerson Polytechnic Institute in Toronto. It was there that a young Polish man named John Kowalewski asked her to borrow an eraser. Over the next year, their courtship ensued. She once played the damsel in distress, asking him to come over because there was a bee in her apartment! Eventually, they went on an official first date and shared a Singapore Sling cocktail. The end of the date was forever known as the “Singapore Sling kiss.” They graduated in 1969 and were married in 1971. John was transferred shortly thereafter to Montreal. They lived in Pierrefonds and Lasalle before settling in Lachine, the neighbourhood they would call home for the next 50 years.

Despite loving fashion, Louise worked for a law firm with her knack for precision and detail. She left the workforce and was a stay-at-home mom once her daughter Kasia arrived, and later her son Matthew. Raising a family was always her priority. She loved her husband and children beyond measure, making sure that they had what they needed, and that they knew they were loved.

But that didn’t mean she stopped working! Louise was the president of the Home and School Association at both the elementary school and the high school. She was involved in organizing school Christmas bazaars, bingo nights, craft groups, recipe books, rummage sales, etc. She was probably best known for her cupcakes at the bake sales – the ones topped with a very large, colourful icing swirl! And for selling decorated cakes in the community – long before baking was a popular thing to do. Whether it was a California Raisin, He-Man or Big Bird, she could put it on a cake!

Through all of that she always had a new art or craft she was trying. From calligraphy (which she became very proficient at), to sewing elaborate Halloween costumes for her kids, to stenciling or stamping, she was always doing something to stretch her artistic flair. This was especially true at dinner parties or momentous family meals. The table was always decorated just so, the menu selected with utmost care, handmade menus and place cards at the ready.

After her children were in high school, Louise rejoined the workforce – this time putting those artistic and design skills to use – by working for a local company that made Christmas crackers (She would say : “Not the kind you eat – the kind that go on the dinner table, you pull them and they go pop!”). She was there for 20 years and made lifelong friendships with many people.

Retirement brought a calmer pace. She would often be inside trying something new for John from one of her many “recipe files” of internet printouts, while he putzed around outside the house. In the summer, they would sit on their front gallery and keep an eye on the neighbourhood they loved so much, acting as the grandparents of the street. Louise was always ready for a chat, organizing breakfasts with friends, making phone calls, keeping up with her children’s lives and offering to help however she could.

Her acts of kindness toward the people around her were legendary. She might make 50 Nanaimo bars for a 50th birthday, put together a care package of food for friends who were moving, or call to check in when she knew you were going through a significant “first” without someone you loved. Of all the things she taught us, perhaps the greatest was simply to show up for the people you love.

As per her wishes, there will be no formal funeral. However, the family will commemorate her life at a later date (perhaps sharing her famous icing recipe).

Memorial donations may be made in Louise’s name to AGI – Alzheimer Groupe Inc (https://www.agiteam.org/services-5). They do wonderful work and have been instrumental in our journey these last years.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to her long-time doctor, Dr Robin Coombs, as well as Dr Beaudry and Dr Henry and the staff of Verdun Hospital for their care and compassion.

Louise spent her life showing up for the people she loved. We will miss her more than words can say, and we will keep showing up for one another, just as she taught us.