Peacefully at her residence, Olga Small passed away on September 10, 2022, at the age of 94.
Olga is survived by her son Len (Cheryl); daughter Shirley (Mark); grandchildren Terrence (Junita), Tracy, Kyle (Chelsea), Chantelle (Travis) and Chelsea (Trevor); and adorable great-grandchildren Jayden, Nina, Celine, Brooke, Braelyn and Carson. Olga is also survived by her brother Vladimir (Karen). She was predeceased by her husband Joe her siblings Harry, Mary and Helen; and her parents Fred and Ann.
Olga was born and raised in the Fisher Branch area of Manitoba where she worked tirelessly on her parent’s farm and helped other family and friends when time permitted. At a young age, Olga packed her small suitcase and moved to Winnipeg where she worked as a dental assistant and lunch counter waitress at Woolworths. She met her husband Joe and together made a wonderful life for her family. Olga was an excellent cook in the tradition of old country-style meals with all the fixings and hosted many Christmas family dinners. In their early years, Olga would travel with Joe throughout the Interlake and Winnipeg area while Joe played the dulcimer in a renowned polka band.
For two years in the late 60s, Olga and Joe moved their family to Saskatoon. On their return to Winnipeg, Olga and Joe would start a small plumbing business where she would tend to the books and take phone calls. With Joe, they would also start a hobby apiary and once again they would tend to their beehives and harvest loads of honey.
While raising her children, Olga still had time to volunteer as a guide at the Museum of Man and Nature. She was dedicated to her family and committed to caring for Joe. Olga asked no questions when her mom needed care and moved in with Joe and her. As Olga and Joe watched their children’s families grow, she was very generous in sharing her time with her grandchildren.
Olga had many nieces and nephews and looked forward to the card games that could be played with Margaret and Ken. In her later years, she would live for the visits from Margaret and Ken, Peter and her sister-in-law Rosie from Michigan and her brother-in-law Tony from B.C. These were yearly highlights. Olga also cherished her shopping trips and special lunch dates with Margaret. She was always excited and smiling when her great-grandchildren visited. She loved to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinners with Ron and Anne where they would reminisce about the old days.
Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be planned.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
22 thoughts on “Olga Small”
We will miss our mom which goes without saying but mom has given us many wonderful memories that last forever. Her caring and compassion and love for people was universal. Mom loved taking her children Shirley and Len to the farm where they were exposed to farming Fisher Branch style. Mom enjoyed talks with her siblings and her younger brother but as they passed and her younger brother moved to BC her niece Margaret would visit her many times over the years. Margaret’s love and benevolence for our mom was immense and kept her in good spirits until the next visit or big outing. Mom also enjoyed visits from her nephew Donald who would always bring mom some delectable food or treats. As the years passed mom did not demand much but she did get energized when her grandchildren and great grandchildren would visit. The small ones were always guaranteed rides on her walker up and down the halls. We cannot forever dwell on the passing of our mom for she has given us life and a wonderful earth experience. Olga, our Mom, has gone to join our dad Joe and together they are paving the way for the ones they love. Special thanks is extended to home care worker Cheryl who was always patient and tender with our mom. We love you Mom. Cheryl and Len
To Shirley, Len and families, our deepest sympathy. We will always remember Mrs. Small’s kindness, her smile and infectious laugh. May she rest in peace.
Thank you so much. Your words mean a lot. Len and Cheryl
Len and Shirley and families,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. Although we have not seen each other in a number of years, we have fond memories of the Small family on Magnus Avenue.
Catherine and Greg Shemely,
Childhood friends
Thank you for you thoughts.
Rosemarie and I wish to express our sincere condolences to Len and Cheryl and the rest of the family. May the memories of the good times you spent with your mom get you through this difficult time and give you strength to move forward.
Thank you. L/C.
Len and Cher, we’re so sorry about the passing of your dear Mom. She was a sweet lady whose infectious smile lit up the room, and her face would light up every time she saw us… even though she couldn’t always remember our names! And then we’d all have a good laugh about it. She was just a lovely woman who reveled in being a Mom and a Baba. We know she will be dearly missed.
It is comforting to know that friends like you help us thru tough times. Thank you Gaye and Greg.
My deepest condolences to you Leonard , Shirley , and all of your family.
My memories of your Mother are very happy ones . She had a heart of gold and I always appreciated her . Both of your parents treated everyone with kindness and respect, for that , we can always look back and smile .
The world needs good people to leave their mark in someone’s life ,Your Mother was and is that beautiful person . My thoughts are with you and your loss .
Thank you. L/C.
So sorry for your loss. My favorite time of year was the trips we made to Canada and visiting with Uncle Joe, Aunty Olga and family.
Aunty Olga always had a smile and such a fun laugh. She always wanted us to “tell me something”. She was loved greatly by our family and will be missed.
Wonderful times. Thank you. L/C
Len, Cheryl, Shirley, Mark & Families. Our deepest sympathies to you all on the loss of your Mom, Mother-in-law and Baba.
May her light shine brightly in all of you.
Nancy & Rick Layer
All the support from friends and family means a lot. Thank you.
Len, Cheryl, Shirley, Mark and Families. Our heartfelt sympathies to you all in the loss of your Mom, Mother-in-law and Baba. May her light shine brightly through you all.
Nancy and Rick Layer
To Shirley & Leonard and family,
They broke the mould when they made your mum. There will never be another like her. I have so many memories of visiting with her and your father. I even remember when your mum & dad visited us on the farm before they were married.
Always endless laughter and jokes when in her presence, and much good food. She’d tell and re-tell of various amusing events, which I could never get enough of. Here’s one that you, Leonard, may recall: the time, when your family was living on Magnus Avenue, and you were choking on something or other – maybe a peach pit? Not sure. So, your mum called some emergency service, or someone else, and then went to check on you to see if you were turning purple or what. And there you were, sitting calmly on the sofa, happy as a clam, with the offending item having gone up or down. And the occasion of you having said A VERY BAD WORD – and how she handled it. ^_^ Your mum related these, and other, little garden-variety incidents, with some exuberance and her unique drama, which never failed to entertain me.
I wish I had been able to attend the burial and the gathering afterward. RIP, Aunty, and we know you truly are in that better place.
Hello Betty and Family. Thank you so much for your thoughts and stories of past events. Your words mean a lot to our family. L and C 🌹
Well, we finally got to see your grave. It was a sad time but we think that after 94 years, you had a rest coming!
I know they were all waiting for you. Especially Uncle Joe. I know you missed him every day. Your parents, your brother and especially your sisters. Oh what a joyful time there would have been as you finally showed up. I know there would have been so much to catch up on. I think you still might be doing your reacquaintance! I think of all the good times you and I had. Upon my return, we caught up on the news and thereafter it was simply a good time. We had lunches, nice long visits, trips to Fisher Branch and just sitting and reminiscing! You would tell so many good stories. In fact, I think you may have told me things that no one had ever heard before. I hold all those things close to my heart. I miss you, Auntie Olga. My days will never be the same. Ken and I hold you forever in our hearts.
Margaret and Ken, Thank you for your benevolence with Mom through out the years and especially during the Covid grid lock. You know mom’s highlights were days spent with you as company. We love you L&C
Please accept my belated sympathies on the loss of your dear mother. May good memories bring you comfort, especially during this time of year.
We have both lost our parents and your words and support mean a lot to me. Thank you. Len