Our loving Matriarch, Velvett Waytowich (Jarbeau), competed her earthly journey on Saturday Nov. 5, 2022 with her loving family by her side.
Born in Lively, Ontario in 1945, she proved early on that there was no mold that would fit her. She was as unique as her name. Mom was just as comfortable being a lifeguard as she was waterskiing or cruising around in her car.
She met and married the love of her life, Earl, and they have remained at each other’s side for the last 55 years. Their union brought two sons, Richard and Steven, into their lives and mom’s wish for daughters was fulfilled when Richard married Laurie, and Steven married Angela. Her family cup was then filled with the arrival of her grandchildren. She was a proud and loved Baba to Katrina, Arianna, Larissa and Lucas and her picture book of babies followed her everywhere.
Mom and dad’s life together saw them call many places home. Chelmsford, Sudbury, Nassau Bahamas, and Montgomery West Virginia were all blessed with their presence and the friends they made in these places will feel her loss.
Mom had many career paths but one that stood out was her time at CNIB. She was able to marry her love of horses with her love of helping others with her weekly horse rides for the visually impaired. She spent many years being able to help out others and gave immensely to the lives and futures of her clients and friends.
While in Sudbury, mom became an honorary Ukrainian and many years were spent singing, dancing, cooking, and travelling with as a member of the Dnipro Choir and Ukrainian women’s league of the Ukrainian National Federation. Yarmarok mornings were not the same without a Kozak coffee served with a smile and usually a hug from mom.
Mom had two things in life that she cared the most about: her family and her faith. Her family was the most important thing in the world to her. She was at her happiest when surrounded by loved ones. She was one of the gentlest souls on earth but would fiercely protect the ones she loved. To her family, she imparted many fine qualities and lessons in love that will live on for generations.
Her faith was the strength of her character. Mom truly believed in the teachings of the bible. Together with dad and because of their travels, they were proud parish members throughout the world. Many masses are being said in mom’s honor as a way of returning the prayers she gave for all.
Mom also loved people. She would tell you that the minute she met you and she meant it. If you were lucky enough to have met her you were counted as a friend forever. She would give everyone she knew the gift of a hug or an “I love you” and would pray for all she knew.
As per mom’s wishes, there will be no service or funeral. Family and friends will be invited to celebrate her life and legacy with details to follow at a later date. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at HSN for tending to mom and ensuring her comfort and care also to the staff at Lougheed’s for tending to mom’s final rest.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you donate to your local animal shelter or charity. Her love
of animals great and small was present throughout her life and Suzie and Jersey will be leading the pack of fur babies that will greet mom. As a family, we ask that you say I love you, hug freely, and offer aid to someone who needs it. With each gift of love and kindness to strangers, mom’s teachings and beliefs will live on through each of you.
Go with God to your final rest Baba. You took all of his gifts and never wasted them. Your compassion, happiness and soul will live on in the lives of those you touched.
For donations or messages of condolence, www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Home.