Kateryna (Cassie) La Couvée (née Ewanciw)

April 1, 2023
Cassie passed away peacefully at Eagle Park Long Term Care on April 1, 2023 at the age of 93 years. She was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Theodosia; six brothers and seven sisters; her husband Lemie, son-in-law Yves Loran and daughter-in-law Louise La Couvée. Remembered by her brother Bill Ewanciw and large extended Ewanciw and La Couvée families. She is survived by her children Janis (Frans Jonker), Leon, Marc, Francis (Lesley), Kevin (Sheila Braiden-Cyr), twelve grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Born into a large pioneer Ukrainian family in Smoky Lake Alberta, Cassie learned the value of hard work and determination at an early age. After high school she attended Bible College in Edmonton then found work as a key punch operator before moving to Vancouver with a group of five friends for an adventure. On a weekend trip to Port Alberni she met Lemie La Couvée. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in 1953 and moved to Ucluelet where they raised their five children. Cassie was a west coaster at heart and embraced the rugged lifestyle of a time before the road. She was active in CGIT (Canadian Girls in Training), the Holy Family Church Ladies Auxiliary, served on the Recreation Commission and Ucluelet Council, volunteered with the PTA and in the pre-school, co-founded the Pacific Rim Arts Council, performed with the amateur drama group, was an early supporter of Ukee Days and was named a Citizen of the Year.

Cassie loved beauty in all its forms - from the majesty of crashing waves and howling winds on family hikes along the shores and beaches of the coast, to acclaimed ballet and theatre performances in bigger centres. Her garden, especially the rhododendrons and azaleas, was a special delight. When she moved to the east coast of the island in 1988 she became actively involved with the Mount Arrowsmith Rhododendron Society (MARS) and enjoyed trips to gardens far and wide, including in Europe. Cassie also devoted time to St Stephen's United Church, the Qualicum Legion Ladies Auxiliary and was a member of the Happy Wanderers with whom she enjoyed many trips, locally and in Cuba, Mexico, Europe and China.

She was her children's and grandchildren's biggest supporter and fan - a regular fixture at games and shows, clipping and saving articles, providing a listening ear. She instilled in us an appreciation for the small moments in life - a good cup of tea, a walk in the rain, a chat with a child.

Heartfelt thanks to the entire team at Eagle Park for their excellent and compassionate care, particularly during the unprecedented times of the global Covid pandemic.

In honour of Cassie, please consider making a donation or doing a kindness in her name.

Celebration of Life to be held Saturday July 29th 1-3 pm at St Stephen's United Church, 150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach. yatesmemorial.ca

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