FREDA JOANNE OLAFSON

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FREDA JOANNE OLAFSON

Freda Joanne Olafson, born July 28, 1932, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2023. Growing up in Lonely Lake, Manitoba, Freda was the second youngest of 13 brothers and sisters. Raised on the farm, Freda was never one to shy away from hard work or a little mischief.

She was married to Ragnar Olafson on October 11, 1952. We cannot describe what a wonderful person Freda was without acknowledging that within one year of their marriage, Ragnar became ill with Polio. After spending nine months in an iron lung, he was released to home, a quadriplegic, where Freda cared for him and managed every aspect of their home and personal life. If this was not challenge enough, they decided to start a family. We can’t imagine the amazing love and effort it took to manage the care of a wheelchair bound husband; the household and two pregnancies. They enjoyed travelling the world, exploring the countryside and camping with their two kids, Ingrid and Rodney. Their home in Winnipeg will be fondly remembered as the place to be when family was visiting the big city, all were welcomed and encouraged to enjoy and share a hearty meal, tall stories and an occasional drink or two.

After Ragnar passed in 1996, our family was happy when Freda was fortunate to find a Gordon McInnis in 2001. They became a couple in 2002 when she moved to Brandon and they enjoyed golfing, dancing and travelling. She was welcomed with open arms into the family by Gordon’s children, Melvin, Carol-Anne, Joni, Gwen and Neil. She enjoyed being a part of the McInnis family and they have all maintained loving contact with her after Gordon passed away in 2011.

Freda cared for many friends and family members throughout the years, often making new friends along the way. She was an incredible baker, who always made sure her treats were just right by taste testing a small corner piece first, “To make sure it was okay for everyone else to eat.” Known for her kind spirit, contagious laughter and cunning card playing, Freda was loved by all and never went anywhere without a few Bud Light in her purse in case an impromptu party broke out.

Freda was predeceased by her loving husband (Ragnar); partner (Gordon); daughter (Ingrid) and many other brothers, sisters and family members. Her fiery spirit is carried on by her loving son Rodney (Anita); grandchildren, Nikolas, Anna (Geoff), Erik (Tara) and Krista (Nik); eight great-grandchildren, (Jordyn, Sloane, Braxton, Reece, Briggs, Beau, Cecelia and Aiyanna); one surviving sibling, Audrey Clayton (Earl) and too many nieces and nephews to mention.

Her last piece of advice before she left was to not take yourself too seriously, travel lots, enjoy time with loved ones and never, ever substitute chili powder for cinnamon to a batch of ginger snap cookies because no one will ever let you forget it.

A special thank you to the Grace Hospital Emergency Team; St. Boniface Emergency and Cardiac Teams; and the staff at the Grace Hospital 3 South Ward for everything that they did for her. She so much enjoyed her friends at the Courts of St. James; all of the staff and friends at the Kiwanis Courts and especially her Bridge friends.

Following Freda’s wishes, she did not want a service but a private Celebration of Life for an amazing woman will be held with for family. She will be incredibly missed by the many that were fortunate enough to call her Mom, Amma, Aunty Freda or friend. Forever loved, and now at peace.

Condolences may be sent to

www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 08, 2023