OLGA CZARKOWSKI

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OLGA CZARKOWSKI June 19, 1915 - August 9, 2008 Peacefully at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg on Saturday August 9, 2008. Remaining to cherish her memory are her daughter Terry Desautels, her son-in-law Reynald, her grandchildren Andre and Nicole, many nieces and nephews, including Lynn Saunders. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph as well as her siblings, Egill, Thora Bjorg, Gudmunder, Olafur, Gudlaug, Jonina, Snorri, Olavia, Skuli, and Bogi. Of 11 children, Olga was the youngest and last surviving member. Olga Lilja Adalheidur Bergthora Jonasson was born on the family farm near Vogar. As a young woman, she moved to Winnipeg to attend high school. She then returned home to care for her parents. In 1938 she returned to Winnipeg to take up hairdressing. In November 13, 1943 she married Joseph Czarkowski. They lived in Kingston, Ontario while Joe was in the Army. Together Olga and Joe built a house in Charleswood at the time when Roblin Boulevard was a one-lane dirt road. She had an amazing garden from which she harvested and preserved bumper crops of vegetables. She was also an exceptional cook and baker. Homemade bread, buns and pies were plentiful. Olga was proud of her Icelandic heritage. She introduced her grandchildren to hard fish and her home made ponnukokur and vinarterta. Somehow, she also found time for handiwork, everything from knitting Icelandic sweaters to crocheting dish cloths. She enjoyed traveling, and was fortunate enough to visit Iceland on several occasions. Bus trips to Florida and the Maritimes were also enjoyed. Olga's chosen career was in hairdressing. She worked at many locations including the Health Sciences Centre as well as out of her home. At HSC she was known to all as Olga the Hairdresser . The provision of professional hairdressing services was very much welcomed by those who were confined to their beds. Through her hairdressing contacts Olga made many friends. The last three years were spent at the Convalescent Home where she was lovingly cared for by all the staff. Memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations in Olga's memory may be made to The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, 276 Hugo St. N., R3M 2N6. CHAPEL LAWN 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 12, 2008