Obituaries

ALEXANDRA MAY KING (MYCHASIW)
JANUARY 11, 1945 – SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Alexandra (Alex/Sandy) King announces her passing on September 2, 2026, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Alex will be lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Sherry King (Cam) and Nadine Martin (John); her grandchildren, Jaz and Katie Buchanan, and Hannah and Garrett Martin; her brother, Albert (Eileen); sister-in-law, June; brother-in-law, Melvin; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her mother, Anne; her father, Tom; her brother, Walter; and her sister, Julie.

Alex was born in Grandview, Manitoba, on January 11, 1945, and grew up on a farm just south of Grandview. Her early years on the farm helped shape the strong, determined woman she would become.

In October of 1966, Alex married her first husband, Ken, in Grandview, Manitoba. During their 14 years of marriage, they made their home in Pinawa, Manitoba, where they welcomed their two daughters. Sherry was born on June 26, 1969, followed by Nadine on October 15, 1971.

Alex worked as a clerk at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) for several years before taking time away from her career to raise her children. She later returned to AECL as a secretary and continued to build her career there, eventually being promoted to Human Resources Officer in 1991. She remained with AECL until 1993, when she was laid off, having dedicated nearly a quarter of a century to the organization. Shortly after leaving AECL, she worked at Stony Mountain Penitentiary as a correctional guard for several years.

Alex was a lifelong learner with a deep commitment to personal growth and education. In 1980, she proudly earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba. She travelled into the city for evening classes and continued her studies during the summer months, all while raising her children, caring for her home and working. Her determination, perseverance, and dedication were a testament to the remarkable woman she was.

In 1986, Alex and her two daughters moved to Beausejour, Manitoba, where they lived with her soon-to-be second husband, Bill Kowalchuk. The couple were married at their home on New Year’s Eve in 1987. They shared 14 years of marriage before eventually divorcing.

Alex faced many challenges throughout her life and was never afraid to confront them head-on. In 1999, after overcoming a five-year gambling addiction, she documented her experience and journey to recovery in a self-published book titled Diary of a Powerful Addiction. Her willingness to share her story reflected her honesty, courage and determination to help others.

In 2002, Alex moved to Calgary, Alberta. A few years later, at the age of 63, she suffered a massive stroke as a result of a brain aneurysm. After spending nearly a year at a rehabilitation centre in Ponoka, Alberta, Alex’s daughters brought her back home to Manitoba so they could help take care of her.

From 2008 until her passing, Alex resided at Deer Lodge Centre. Her family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Lodge 7 and Tower 5 for the compassionate care, kindness and support they provided to Alex over the years.

Alex enjoyed many of life’s simple pleasures. She loved country music and dancing, travelling, reading self-help books, wiener roasts, cooking and baking, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends. She had a zest for life, a strong will and a warm presence that left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place, and in keeping with Alex’s wishes, her daughters will lay her to rest on a beautiful hill near the Stampede grounds in Calgary, Alberta.

Mom — losing you is our greatest sorrow, but loving you was our greatest blessing. We will walk through life together,

keeping your memory alive in all that we do. Rest easy, our beautiful angel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alex’s memory to CancerCare Manitoba.