Sophia Hazel Stanowski (nee Johnson)

September 13, 1935 – December 21, 2025 

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sophia Hazel Stanowski who left us peacefully on December 21, 2025, at the Arborg Personal Care Home.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Jack (Florence) Stanowski and Terry (Dale) Stanowski and daughter, Leanne (Greg) Fedak; Grandchildren Janine (Derrick), Kurt (Krystal), Ariel, Cody, Taylor (Bradon), Bridget (Jamie), Brennan (Natasha), Darcie (Eldon) and Ciara (Andrew); Great Grandchildren, Connor, Ellie, Mia, Haley, Lincoln, Nova, and Evelyn. She also leaves behind her brother Donald and sister Margaret (Gordie) Palka, brother-in-law, Jerry Kozub and sister-in-law, Sophie Wach, Diane Johnson, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Sophia was predeceased by her parents, Bjorn and Enid Johnson, her husband John, and infant son James Daniel.

Sophia was the eldest of six children born on September 13, 1935. She grew up in Howardsville, Manitoba, where she lived until 1951 when she moved to Winnipeg to work. She met and married John Stanowski in 1956 and they settled in Geraldton, Ontario where they started their family. In 1975 they moved their family back home to Arborg, Manitoba. She helped build their new home and went to work at the Arborg Collegiate as the librarian. As the librarian, she wore many different hats, always encouraging the students to do their best. She loved working with children and formed many lifelong relationships. She again juggled work, family and study as she completed her university degree from the University of Manitoba in 1985.

Later in her career, she worked at the Intervention Centre in Riverton where she had the opportunity to work with people continuingtheir education in a flexible learning environment.

After her husband passed away in 2016, Sophia moved into Assisted Living in Arborg, where she resided until her health started to decline moving into the Arborg Personal Care Home in 2023.

Sophia was a nurturer by nature and volunteered her time. She enjoyed her time on board the Riverdale Workshop in Arborg. Herbs and Genealogies were special interests of hers. She loved having all her family home with a house full of music, card games, and good food. Her home and yard were a source of pride for her, and she tended to both with care. You never left Grandma’s house without a hug and a kiss. All her children and grandchildren knew exactly how much they were loved.

A Celebration of Life for Sophia will be held this summer. Date to be announced.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Arborg Personal Care Home, and Assisted Living, for the compassionate care and support they provided to Mom over the past years.

“In the hearts of those who loved you, you will always be near”