On Wednesday August 30, 2023 with her family by her side, Olga Nicolas of Ste. Anne, MB got her angel wings. Olga was a loving wife to her husband Gerry for 57 years and beloved mother to her 3 children Denise Bukowski (Allan), Jackie Kasper (Chris), Gerald Nicolas (Carole) and her nine grandchildren, Tristan Nicolas, Alyssa and Arielle Bukowski, Justin, Jesse and Jamie Kasper and Madison (Kyle), Mackenzie and Cole Nicolas.
Olga is predeceased by her parents Wasyl and Mary Chubaty, sisters Helen Samborski, Sophie Gay, Annie Salamacha, Teenie Kwasnicki, Lena Ballan, Jean Senavich and brothers, Billy, John, Nick and Peter Chubaty. Olga leaves to mourn her remaining 3 sisters, Agnes Derbowka, Gloria Urbanowich (Wally), Rosie Deblois, in-laws Yvonne and Evelyn Chubaty, Claude (Simone) Nicolas, Guy (Roselyne) Nicolas, Helene Findlay, Raymond (Gisele) Nicolas, Angie Tougas (Lou),Jane Nicolas, Alvin Flamand and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mom was born on September 7, 1946, the youngest child of Wasyl and Mary Chubaty’s 14 children. She grew up on the family farm in St. Malo, MB. She met dad when she was 15 and they have been inseparable ever since. They married in 1965, moved to Winnipeg and started their family. In 1975 they moved to Ste. Anne where they put down permanent roots building a home for us filled with love, laughter and lots of great memories.
Mom instilled in us the importance of being a good hostess and making sure everyone who entered our home felt welcome and was fed! With Dad on the road as a truck driver, she was the backbone of our family juggling many responsibilities and always put our needs before hers. It wasn’t until we were adults that she started working outside the home at Ste. Anne Hospital as a dietary aide and then eventually as the head cook. She loved working at the hospital and took great pride and care in the meals that she prepared for the patients and staff. She worked there for 21 years, forged strong friendships before retiring in 2017.
Mom’s greatest joy and sense of pride was her children and grandchildren. She was so proud of all of us. She loved to hear all about our adventures, and misadventures. She had a hand in all our beautiful childhood memories that involved camping, fishing, snowmobiling or just hanging out at the farm or trailer in Beausejour.
Mom hated flying and only did so on three occasions: to Mexico, Hawaii and Edmonton. Her preferred mode of travel was with the truck and camper down south in Arizona and Texas. Sometimes it was just the two of them and at other times she would meet up with family or friends.
When they weren’t travelling you could find mom in the kitchen or attending one of her grandchildren’s extra-curricular activities. It didn’t matter what it was: sports, dance, band or a music recital. She was present and enjoyed it all! She also loved doing puzzles, reading, knitting, crocheting, sewing, gardening, cooking, canning, baking and the Jets! She was a hard worker and her hands were never idle.
Our deepest gratitude goes out to the EMS and staff at Bethesda Hospital for their compassionate care and to all our family and friends for your prayers and support.
A celebration of her life to honour Mom’s memory will be held at the Crossings Funeral Home 12E-40 North Gate Dr., Steinbach, MB on Saturday September 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
Internment of her cremated remains will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity that holds significance for you.
As we reminisce about mom’s life, we are reminded of the love, care, and dedication she poured into all she did. She would not want us to be sad. Let us find comfort in her legacy and hold tight to the memories. May she rest in peace.
Vichnaya Pamyat / Eternal Memory