OLGA GREENING

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OLGA GREENING In Loving Memory of Olga Greening It is with deep sadness that we announce that suddenly on December 21, 2008, Olga Greening (nee Berezowecki), age 80, of Winnipeg, (formerly of The Pas), Manitoba, passed away, with her family at her side, at the Health Sciences Centre, in Winnipeg. Olga was born in Hafford, Saskatchewan on December 1, 1928 and moved with her parents and family to The Pas, Manitoba in 1932. She graduated from The Pas Collegiate Institute in 1946 and embarked upon a nearly 40 year career in the education field as a teacher in the Manitoba communities of Cormorant, Lakeland, Brooklands, St. Vital and The Pas, and as a principal, primary supervisor and Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Kelsey School Division, in The Pas. Olga was recognized for her contributions to teaching when she was awarded the Centennial Medal from the Government of Canada in 1967 and later on in her career she received a lifetime membership in the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents. After she retired in 1984, Olga continued making contributions to the field of education as she was elected to the School Board of the Kelsey School Division and served as a School Trustee for eight years. Olga looked back on her career with a deep sense of accomplishment and pride in knowing that quality education was provided to the students. Her determined support of students and teachers was her hallmark and she never shirked from an administrative challenge. Olga met her husband Ben in 1947 and they united in marriage on December 29, 1949. Ben and Olga moved to Winnipeg in 1950 and remained there until 1964, when they moved back to Olga's home community of The Pas, Manitoba. That was followed by the birth of their only child, David, in 1965. Olga and Ben continued to live in The Pas and she was a devoted, faithful and active member of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League in that community. Olga cared for her husband Ben and her mother Mary when their health declined until they passed away in 1996 and 2002, respectively. She also found time to act as a Mom to her adopted and dearly loved dog Bandit until he passed away. ln 2006, Olga decided to move to Winnipeg to be closer to her son David, daughter-in-law Linda and grandson Kenneth. Over the past two years in Winnipeg Olga enjoyed spending time with family and friends, meeting new people and making new friends, becoming involved in seniors activities in her apartment building, attending church and babysitting David and Linda's dog and cats (Belle, Boots and Mr. Bumpy) from time to time. She was a loyal Blue Bomber Fan, was an avid curler in her younger years and enjoyed the challenge of playing games of chance, be it bingo, video slot machines, the Casinos of Winnipeg or Las Vegas. Olga had a great sense of humour, had a passion and zest for life, had a strong will and determination to do her best at whatever she attempted and always remained young at heart even as she reached her golden years. She was a kind, loving, generous mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, family member, friend and teacher and deeply touched everyone who had the pleasure to know her. She loved her family dearly and would reach out to anyone in need of help or guidance (even Mr. Bumpy). Olga will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. Olga leaves to mourn her son David, daughter-in-law Linda; grandson Kenneth (Melanie); special niece Joan (Victor); brothers, Peter (Mary) and Tony; sisters, Rose (Harry) and Anne (Paul); and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Olga was predeceased by her husband Ben; father Bohdan; mother Mary and sister-in-law Nancy. Prayers and visitation will be held Friday, December 26, 7:00 p.m. at the Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas, Manitoba. Divine Funeral Liturgy will be held Saturday, December 27, 10:00 a.m. at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Ghost, The Pas, Manitoba, with Rev. Father Djura Maljik presiding. Interment to follow in Lakeside Cemetery, The Pas, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas, in care of arrangements. (204) 623-3261. Vichnaya Pamyat

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 24, 2008