OLGA ANDERSON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

OLGA ANDERSON It is with heavy hearts that the Anderson family says goodbye to Olga (Kurbis) Anderson. A Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Great-Great-Grandmother, this graceful lady passed away on Friday, October 5, 2012 at the Ashern Personal Care Home. She was surrounded by all four of her children as she entered His kingdom; her husband, Frank Anderson, waiting there with open arms for his beloved bride , Olga. Olga is predeceased by her parents, Emil and Anna Kurbis, and her sister, Alice. She is survived by her brother, Herman Kurbis and his wife Moreen. Olga is also survived by her four children and their spouses; Ron and Pat Anderson, Reid and Margaret Anderson, Lynne and Jake Rempel, Randy and Donna Anderson; her grandchildren and their spouses; Lori and Trevor Emilson, Kathy and Regan Wilkinson, Karen and Norman Tindall, Curtis and Karin Anderson, Dianne Baker and Steve Dolynuk, Trevor and Lisa Anderson, Brad and Denise Rempel, Jeff and Colleen Rempel, Tracey and Jeremy Green, Troy and Laura Rempel, Ian Anderson, Julie Anderson; her great-grandchildren; Dana, Carly Jo, Eric, Brayden, Matthew, Josh, Brittany (Chris), Scott, Nicole, Amanda, Samuel, Daniela, Todd, Hannah, Carter, Erica, Jessica, Dawson, Jacob, Jamie-Lynn, Brady, Dylan, Samantha, Zachary, Adam, Ava and her great-great-grandchild Christian. Anyone who was lucky enough to know Olga's love benefited from the many ways she wished to express it. She loved to knit sweaters for her children and grandchildren. Throughout the town, people could see her crafty needlework skating in the arenas and sliding down toboggan hills. Olga is survived by a big, extended family, yes. For there are many that she fussed over, loved and enjoyed. But Olga will also continue to be with us through her wonderful recipes that flow through many kitchens throughout this community of which she was so proud to have been born into. Her home was a busy one with the door often swinging open by her children's friends wishing to taste her baked goods; the smells wafting from her oven was the only invite needed in order to be welcomed into her home. And if you were lucky enough to be invited to tea at Olga's table, you would be served a proper teacup and saucer; she believed in true England high tea. Always thinking of others, she was more than willing to share her culinary secrets and even published a cookbook full of her favourites. And in doing so, her memory will be forever honoured at our family tables, decades to come. Olga's baking and wonderful recipes will always remind us of her and how the act of caring for others was truly her most favourite past time. Olga never minded the din of a busy house with people coming and going and reaching for her freshly baked bread. Instead of scolding children for dancing in the living room, she'd laugh and encourage them to do so. She would often play piano and songs such as 'beautiful dreamer'. She truly appreciated the gift that music could bring to a home and her passion for this matched her mission of making her family home a happy one. She took this love outside of the home and into the Church where she sang alto in the choir for many years. Olga Anderson not only made a house into a home with her big heart and generous spirit, but she also helped to build successful businesses alongside her husband. She had a keen eye for items that would be marketable. When her son, Ron, opened up a coffee shop at the gas station, she decided sandwiches would make a great sell. So she made one loaf of sandwiches and, sure enough, they flew out of the refrigerated casing. Much to her daughters-in-law's chagrin, the task of making dozens of sandwiches for the shop was a profitable and busy affair for the Anderson wives! Yes, she was always seeing the business side of someone's ventures. Talk around the dinner table often went something like, "Pass the Ketchup and what is the profit margin on Ketchup these days?" In fact, just last year she was given some banana bread by her daughter-in-law, Margaret. Upon tasting it, she said, "You should sell these. You'd make a fortune!". She always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Her creativity extended through to the decor of her home and wardrobe. Always well dressed, Olga enjoyed buying clothes and modeling them for her husband. She always looked very pretty and elegant. In the very last weeks of her life, she still enjoyed looking through her outfits and 'shopping' in her closet. Just recently, she was found complimenting someone on their nice outfit. A lady who truly enjoyed hosting and socializing, being around people was something she always looked forward to. Olga's joyous laugh is a beautiful memory that many will play back in their minds to remember her wonderful and selfless sense of humour. Olga never hesitated to express the importance of family and Olga showed her love for children through this philosophy. No matter the age, each child and grandchild was indulged with an abundance of hugs and attention (and homemade milkshakes!). How is it that Olga was able to make every one of them feel unique and special and important. This is a blessing each of her family members lives within their hearts today. A true gift from a wonderful, self-sacrificing lady. Olga's funeral will be held in the Grace Lutheran Church, the very same building she helped found and name. Service will be held on Saturday, October 13 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Erwin Tippel officiating. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Grace Lutheran Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the Ashern Legion Hall following the interment where everyone is welcome. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren Trevor, Curtis, Brad, Ian, Eric and Brayden. Honorary Pallbearers will be everyone in attendance. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund c/o Gus Lennstrom, PO Box 240, Ashern, MB R0C 0E0. Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOME Ashern Lundar 1-204-768-2072 1-866-323-3593

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 10, 2012