Obituary of Olga Stefanovich

STEFANOVICH, Olga Olga Stefanovich (nee Hnylycia) passed away on February 15, 2012 at the age of 88 surrounded by her loving family. Olga leaves to mourn her passing her husband William with whom she shared 61 years of marriage. She will be sadly missed by her loving children, sons Robert (Barbara) and Michael and grandchildren Nicholas Stefanovich of Calgary and Kaitlin Stefanovich. Olga was predeceased by sisters Katie Yaschuk, Eva Batyski, Nellie Dorosh, Mary Zenkewich, Anne Wendz and by brothers Mike, Andrew and Steve. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews in Western Canada, Ottawa and Washington State. Olga was born on December 19, 1923 in Hubbard, Saskatchewan to George and Anna (Artemowich) Hnylycia. Although she moved to Ontario at the age of twenty, growing up as a child of Ukrainian immigrants on a prairie farm during the Depression would instill values that defined her character. Olga was a person of deep faith who always had compassion and took time for those in need or distress. Throughout her life, many were to realize her kind and thoughtful gestures. It may have been the purchase of a bag of groceries for a neighbourhood family out of work or a baked pie or cake for someone who was ill or lost a loved one. Her thoughts and motivations were centered on the welfare of others, especially immediate family members. She has often said that if her family could have afforded her an education, she would have wanted to be a nurse. She was known for her exceptional cooking and derived great pleasure from watching family and friends enjoy her meals and baked goods. These skills were also known to those who patronized the former Tea Garden restaurant in Amherstburg during the post-war years. Olga will also be fondly remembered for her tireless work ethic, love of gardening, generosity and sense of humour. She was loved by many. On a recent return to her nursing home residence following a stroke, staff and residents cheered and applauded as she was wheeled back to her room. As family, we have been so very blessed and fortunate to have had Olga as a wife or mother or baba. The family has many to thank for the care afforded to Olga during the latter part of her life. The staff in the Sycamore unit at Huron Lodge deserve special reference; enough cannot be said about the compassionate and excellent care they provided. Our family will always be grateful and hold you in the highest regard. There are many local doctors that have provided expert care and attention over the years. Special thanks are owed to Dr. C. Koo (family doctor); Dr. K. Schneider (oncologist); Dr. C. Pearce (cardiovascular); Dr. Stapleford (dental surgeon) and Dr. J. Rodrigues (rheumatology). Thanks are also owed to CCAC and St. Elizabeth Health Care. Visitation at the WINDSOR CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME (Main Chapel) 519-253-7234 1700 Tecumseh Rd E. on Friday, February 17, 2012 from 2-5 & 7-9 p.m. Panakhyda Friday at 7:30 p.m. Family and friends will be received on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Ukrainian Catholic Church (601 Lake Trail Drive Southwood Lakes) from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. Rt. Rev. Fr. Eugene Halitsky officiating. Interement to follow at Windsor Memorial Gardens. In kindness, donations may be made to Sts. Vladimir and Olga Ukrainian Catholic Church Building Fund or the Downtown Mission. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com.