Velma Jeanne Kulbaba (Nee Cosens)

1936 September 16 – 2023 October 24

At the age of 87 Velma peacefully joined her family she held in her heart and dearly missed.

Velma was born in Gunton, MB to Alan and Jeanne Cosens.  Along with her siblings Vern, Harold and Tom they worked on the farm tending sheep, cows, horses, pigs and chickens where chores were completed before and after school.  Mom talked fondly of her childhood saying “you just did what you had to and never thought anything of it”.  Making the best of what they had, the house was filled with love, laughter and food.  Shenanigans aplenty went on when Mom and her brothers and friends were involved.

Mom entered the work force working at a box factory in Winnipeg and then took a teaching gig that sent her to Lac du Bonnet, where her life as a mother began.  Moving back to Winnipeg she started her banking career with the Bank of Montreal, eventually transferring to the bank in Pinawa and finishing her career at the Royal Bank in Lac du Bonnet.  She met many lifelong friends and continued on her path of laughter and trickery, occasionally getting her in trouble with management, but never slowing her or her accomplices.

Once retiring from the Royal Bank and not ready to leave the public she began working at the LaVerendrye Trading Company clothing store.  This was simply another fun adventure.

Velma met and married Joe Kulbaba where they and daughter Darlene shared a country life living in Lac du Bonnet at the Farm where Joe was born.  They built their house, farmed the land, worked outside the home and hosted many meals.  Mom (aka Chicken – a name given to her by Joe and called by most) took pride in making sure there were homecooked meals and fresh garden produce.  She was always ready to try a new recipe but was famous for her biscuits and Easter Buns – we couldn’t get enough.  Leaving the Farm you could hear her yelling “hey wait a minute, I’ll cut you some fresh asparagus”.

Chicken lived her life with a sparkle in her blue eyes, loved her family, holding hands with her grands while walking up the driveway, was a great listener, had a gentle way of giving advice and was very proud of her Dutch ancestry (deGast).

Survived by Joe and her children: Rick (Shirley), Deb (Joe), Alan, Louise (Tim), Dennis and Darlene (Shawn); grandchildren (great-grandchildren): Stephanie (Artemis), Wendy, James, Jessica (Isabella, Kingston) and Cole, and numerous sisters/brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by her grandchildren Jeremy and Amy.

You’ll always bring a chuckle, be loved and missed  xxoo

Thank you to the RCMP, Ambulance Attendants and Sobering Funeral Chapel for the kindness and respect shown to Velma and the family.

If family/friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made to a charity of your choice.

In Chic’s words “smile, doesn’t cost you anything and might make someone feel better”

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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