OLIVE LOUISE MCLENEHAN

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OLIVE LOUISE MCLENEHAN

(KNIGHT)

October 6, 1927 - January 24, 2023

Olive was born October 6, 1927 to Harry and Mary Elizabeth Knight. She was the fifth born child in a sibling line of six. She attended Oakner School until grade 11, then completed her final high school year in Hamiota. Upon graduation she attended Grace General Hospital in 1945, obtaining a three-year nursing degree. After graduating she worked at the Hamiota General Hospital for two years before her marriage on October 14, 1950 to Donald Orval McLenehan of Lenore, Mb. She became a wife and mother and in short order their family arrived: Sandra (1951), Barbara (1952 ) Gary (1954), Debra (1955), Dale (1961).

Having four children under school age while growing an industrial sized garden, canning and preserving, preparing meals for family and hired men, maintaining an immaculate home, and tending to huge grounds and lovely flower beds was a remarkable talent. Despite home and family obligations she was a committed community volunteer, with the Kinsmore Ladies Group, the Lenore Presbyterian Church, and the Curling Rink.

Both she and Donnie enjoyed curling, and both curled competitively and within mixed spiels over the years, and they introduced the kids to curling in early years. Mom and Dad enjoyed many winter holidays watching the Silver Broom. The friend’s mom made in her curling years remained her network throughout the decades. The ladies enjoyed each other’s company, and their families became best of friends.

Olive’s life changed drastically with the sudden death of Donnie in July 13, 1984. She remained on the home farm for another two years before moving to Virden in 1986. Dale took over the family farm and she was able to engage in more recreation and leisure activities. She chose a brick house with a large yard and flower beds that reminded her of her farm home. She continued to curl with her ladies team and the ladies won the Golden Gals two consecutive years in 1991 and 1992. Mom very much enjoyed curling within the Virden Curling Club where she was honoured as a lifetime member, curling until she was 80 years old. She also played on a team which won an 8 ender in 1995. Living in Virden afforded her many opportunities for activities and volunteering: She enjoyed lawn bowling at the nearby park in summer months and became a daily golfer; a sport she enjoyed to the age of 92. Visits to grandma often involved a golf game with three generations of golfers. She also joined bridge clubs, up to three simultaneously. For many years mom delivered meals on wheels. When managing the big house and yard became challenging, she moved into a condo within Bolton Place in Virden in 2011 where she resided until the month prior to her death.

Her relationship with each of the kids was characterized by her unfailing devotion to their interests.

Their curling, hockey and ball offered many social outings to them as a couple. In later years she very much enjoyed supporting Dale’s family residing on the home farm. It was true that having grandkids was such a joy to her, she “might have had them first”.

Two highlights of her later years included: an Alaskan cruise with her sisters: Norma, Bea, and Elaine in 2003, and attending the 65th anniversary of her fellow Nursing Grads in Winnipeg in 2013.

In 2020 she suffered another critical loss when daughter Barb died. Shortly following Barb’s death Covid impacted everyone’s lives and for mom her life became very narrow: no bridge, no outings, and family restrictions in visiting impacted her further. Fortunately, she lived nearby Sandra who was readily available to support her in independent living right to the end.

She celebrated her 95th birthday party with nearly all of the immediate family on Thanksgiving weekend of 2022. Shortly afterwards she suffered two falls which ultimately led to her demise.

She was a very private, brave and loyal, strong-minded woman. She was a staunchly religious woman who lived guided by “the golden rule”. She attended her church faithfully for over 90 years until such time as her health failed. She was loved and cherished by her family and respected by her friends and community. She was constantly there for her family, providing counsel, reassurance, and a voice of wisdom.

Forever loved by her family, her children: Sandra Good (Terry), Barb Jones – deceased (Gordon), Gary McLenehan (Jackie), Debra Carnegie, Dale McLenehan (Ann). As well as eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The funeral took place on April 8th, 2023 at the Lenore Community Church with Funeral Celebrant Cathy Coulter officiating. Lunch and fellowship followed at the Lenore Community Hall. The family wishes to thank all who were in attendance to mourn and celebrate the life of Olive. Interment will follow at the Kinsmore Cemetery at a later date.

And when you call for me, I have already answered.

When you call for me I am already there.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 29, 2023