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OLIVIA LAUREN SPARKS
Born: Dec 19, 1984
Date of Passing: Dec 12, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryOLIVIA LAUREN SPARKS December 19, 1984 - December 12, 2015 In a moment of peace and quiet, alone with her mother at Riverview Health Centre, and with her family nearby, we lost our lovely Olivia. Olivia was born at St. Boniface Hospital and lived her life in Selkirk, Manitoba. Olivia went to school at Ecole Bonaventure and was part of the French immersion program, where she built many lifelong friendships. Olivia was warm and friendly, and able to build connections to people very quickly, and they were lasting ties. Many of her childhood friends stayed a part of her life through her teenage years and into adulthood. She was a talented chef and baker and many people will remember the delicious creations she made to enhance their occasions and celebrations. She studied in the Culinary Arts program, at Red River College, and loved to cook, but baking was where she shined. Her cakes and desserts were legendary for their taste, but also for their beauty. Olivia had an eye for elegantly presented food and the patience with a piping bag to make exquisite things happen. Olivia struggled with Addison's disease, an adrenal deficiency, that robbed her of a lot of energy and comfort, since her diagnosis in 2004. She was forced to live her life by waiting to see how she would feel each day, before making plans. She showed strength and character and grit when she would push herself through some tough days in order to be there for family and friends. She had a personality that could light up a room and, when she was feeling well, she was an unstoppable force. She will be missed by her surviving family, including her mother Laurie Jervis (Brent Jervis), her father Brian Sparks (Jackie Sparks), her sisters, Victoria Sparks, Hayley Brigg and Davilyn Sparks, her brothers, Sean Jervis and David Jervis (Abigail), her nephew, Liam, her paternal grandmother, Jessie Sparks, her maternal grandfather, Irvin Olafson, many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins, and the love of her life, Christopher Dunning. A service and reception will be held in Olivia's honour at Gilbart Funeral Home in Selkirk, Manitoba, on Saturday, December 19, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 15, 2015
Condolences & Memories (20 entries)
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Laurie and family I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. I just wanted you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Kathy Olafson Perrin (cousin from Barrie Ontario) on: Jan 18, 2016
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Laurie and Victoria, This is such sad sad news to hear of the passing of sweet Olivia. I always remember babysitting these two beautiful little girls. We always liked watching Mary Poppins, and just having fun. My heart goes out to both of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and your families. R.I.P. Beautiful Olivia. Xo - Posted by: Judy Malcolm/ Lowery (Babysitter) on: Dec 27, 2015
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Dear Laurie: Please know that we are thinking of you at this time. Some things are beyond our understanding and this is one of them. We shared "the hallway" on the second floor at 114 Garry with you and your IT Team for many years. It's impossible for us to imagine how difficult it is for you to cope with the loss of your daughter Olivia, and how incredibly tough this must be for you and your family. We are sincerely wishing you strength and moments of peace. - Posted by: The Word Processing girls of Child Protection: Elyse, Gayle, Sophie (Co-workers) on: Dec 22, 2015
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For Tori and Olivia's family and friends: Words cannot express how much of a blow this loss is to the world. May she rest in peace. My thoughts are with you all. Jennifer - Posted by: Jennifer A. (Friend) on: Dec 21, 2015
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Brian & Jackie We Are so sorry to here of your loss. It must be so hard to lose a child.Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow. - Posted by: Rudy & Sandy (Friend) on: Dec 18, 2015
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Brian and Jackie, we are truly sorry for the loss of your sweet Olivia! You have been in our thoughts and prayers daily. God's Blessings be with the entire family during this sad time. We will be in touch. - Posted by: Hartley and Sue McLeod (Friend of Family) on: Dec 17, 2015
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Words cannot express my heartfelt condolences. I am so grateful to have known Olivia for the past few years. I will always remember the beautiful person I came to know. Her love and memories will live forever in the hearts that she touched. - Posted by: Sharon Clinton (Friend) on: Dec 17, 2015
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For Tori and all of Olivia's family: I'm so sorry to hear that Olivia was taken from this life so soon. I knew her mainly because I grew up going to school with Tori and of course Olivia was only a year behind us. I grew up an only child, and I can honestly say that when I imagined how great it would be to have a sister, I always thought of the special relationship between Tori and Olivia- there was always so much love there and they always seemed to get along so well. More recently, Olivia helped make mine and my husband's wedding day special by creating the perfect wedding cake for us- we have spoken many times about how perfect it was and what a great job she did. She will be missed by so many, my thoughts are with you now as you process this terrible loss. - Posted by: Dawne (Friend) on: Dec 16, 2015
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I didn't really know Olivia. But what I did she seemed to be very nice and friendly. It is a sad thing she is gone and especially at a young age. - Posted by: Heidi Plett (Friend of family) on: Dec 16, 2015
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Laurie, Brent and Family, we cannot even begin to imagine the depth of your grief. All that we can do is hold you and your family up in prayer hoping that you will receive some sort of peace that passes all understanding. Our deepest condolences. - Posted by: Greg and Gayle Jervis (Brent's Cousin) on: Dec 16, 2015
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So sorry for your loss Tori. Claire and I are thinking of you and your family. Although we didn't meet Olivia, We will have some fancy cupcakes here in Ottawa to celebrate Olivia's baking talents and send love to you - Posted by: Susan Ploughman (Friend of Victoria) on: Dec 16, 2015
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Brian and Jackie, Laurie and Brent words can not express the loss you all must feel at this time. Doug and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Connie and Doug And Rapko (Friends ) on: Dec 16, 2015
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Heartfelt thoughts, prayers ands hugs to each of you at the loss of your beautiful Olivia. - Posted by: Cindee Cyr (Friend) on: Dec 16, 2015
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Brian and Jackie, Laurie and Victoria, I was heartbroken to hear about Olivia. I remember her always smiling, a very funny and nice person. She seemed so full of life and I would have never guessed she had been so ill. She came to my sister's funeral with Marly and gave me a big hug and I will remember that always. I am so very sorry that you have lost a daughter, and a sister. I wish you all strength through the next little while. It is so hard to lose someone so young, but I hope that the memories you have of her give you comfort. - Posted by: Katie Sutherland (Family friend) on: Dec 16, 2015
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Brian and Jackie, I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I was glad to have met her and spend a brief moment in her life with all of you. Words cannot express this tragedy and the good Lord does everything for a reason, many of which make absolutely no sense to any of us. God Bless all of you. - Posted by: Jeff Neumann (Friend) on: Dec 16, 2015
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We are truly saddened by your loss of your daughter. - Posted by: Ed and Leslie Fitzpatrick (Friends ) on: Dec 16, 2015
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I did not meet Olivia but when her sister Victoria stayed with us here in Iceland I learned how much she was loved by her and her family, I sincerely feel for you all and I and my husband Bjarni send our condolences. - Posted by: Hafdis Thorolfsdottiir (adopted causin to my dear friend grandfather Irvin Olafson) on: Dec 16, 2015
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Brian and Jackie, we were so sorry to hear of your daughters passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Vee Scromeda & Brett Armstrong (Friends) on: Dec 15, 2015
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I knew Olivia as a child, a darling child. Olivia and her sister Victoria sang in the children's choir I conducted. She was a beautiful and happy choir member, always giving me her closest co-operation and giving her best effort. Sincerest condolences to Brian, Victoria, Laurie, grandma Jessie and the rest of the Sparks family. - Posted by: Pearl Wiebe (friend) on: Dec 15, 2015
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We were truly blessed to have known this wonderful girl. Her sprit and kindness were beyond words. When Olivia was present things just seemed a bit brighter. God does have a true angel. Brian and girls we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all - Posted by: Cindy and Donnie Renaud (Family) on: Dec 15, 2015