In Loving Memory: Olga Holowaychuk – Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel

It is with warm memories for a life well lived, that the family of Olga Holowaychuk announce her peaceful passing on October 17, 2024 at the seasoned age of 97.

She leaves her loving family deeply touched by her generous spirit, Henry, Dennis, Wally, Carol, Grace, Linda (Al Ramsdale) & Lori (Jamie Lucien); 2 grandchildren, Jessica & Katelyn (Luke) Hart; great-grandson, Henry Hart; 3 siblings, Irene Dombrosky, Boris (Alaine) Danyluk & Evelyn (Bill) Newchuk; 2 sisters-in-law, Joyce Danyluk & Lurley Danyluk; and numerous nieces & nephews. Olga was predeceased by her husband, Harry; parents, Dmetro & Domka Danyluk; daughter-in-law, Debbie; brothers, Steve, Nick, Walter, Joe, David, Jerry & Bill; sisters, Elizabeth Hrehorets, Anne Tallas & Mary Cherniwchan.

Our mother, Baba and great-Baba will most likely be remembered for her unmatched generosity, her thoughtfulness and her amazing attitude of gratitude.

Olga was born in 1926 at Edwand, Alberta, in a C.N.R. station house along the railroad. She was the fifth child in a family of fourteen. In 1942, at the tender age of 15, Olga entered the workforce. Employed as main cook at the Smoky Lake George McDougall Hospital, bread was baked daily, ten to twelve loaves. A leashed cow on the property provided fresh milk daily. She was allowed a half day off each Wednesday, and one Sunday off in two weeks. Perhaps it was this early foray into cooking and baking that cemented Olga’s reputation for supreme chef and baker. In 1946 she met the love of her life, Harry, at a café called The Right Spot. Legend has it she cooked him a very good steak and the rest is history. In 1950 they married and expanded their family to include seven children. The family home was a gathering place filled with love, laughter and delicious food. Although Olga was very busy raising a family of seven children, she always managed to find time to volunteer in a broad range of organizations, often taking on leadership roles. In 1992, she was co-chair in organizing a “Quilting Square Contest” to put together a Patchwork Quilt Project in honour of the George McDougall Memorial Hospital’s 85th Anniversary. This masterpiece quilt has been framed and is still a conversation piece in the hospital’s main entrance. In 2019, she was recognized for her 69 years of service with the Smoky Lake Hospital Auxiliary.

Always an active person, Olga loved to cross- country ski, and curl. In her retirement years she took up golf, watercolour painting and began to travel more on trips to the USA and across Canada. She took great pleasure in spending time with her granddaughters and played a pivotal role in their lives when they lost their mother at a young age.

Olga’s life was defined by her dedication to her family, friends and community.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff at the Bar-V-Nook Manor. Their compassion and support will be forever remembered.

A Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Smoky Lake. Reverend Father Peter Haugen will be officiating with interment in the church cemetery. Following the service, the family invites you to join them for a memorial and luncheon at the Ukrainian National Hall (107 Willow Creek Street). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church or a charity of one’s choice ℅ 5626 51 Street, St. Paul AB  T0A 3A1. To send condolences online, please visit  https://www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com/…/olga…/

GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677