FLORENCE OLSON

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FLORENCE OLSON July 7, 1911 - March 19, 2009 The family and friends of this amazing lady will miss her hospitality, generosity, humor and kindness. Florence passed away this week after a brief illness at Stonewall Hospital at the age of 97 years. Mom, one of 14 children was born July 7, 1911 to Lars and Betsy Nordstrom, Swedish pioneer immigrants from Roseau, Minnesota who settled on a homestead south of Sprague. Betsy died when mom was only 13, and her older sister Beda the following year. In true pioneer spirit and possessing a strong work ethic, mom rose to the challenge of carrying on the many tasks of life on their farm. As well, she worked with her father and brother in the fishing industry on Lake of the Woods. Mom married our father, Reuben in 1929. Together they raised four children, Donald, Doreen, Delphie and Clifford. During these depression years she raised a huge garden, preserved fruit and vegetables, made most of our clothing and still found time to participate in the life of the community. When our dad passed away in 1965, mom sold the farm and moved to town. She worked at the hotel, cooked in logging camps and fishing lodges, as well as doing other odd jobs. Always responding in times of crisis, she moved to Winnipeg where she cared for her great-grandchild. She moved to Thompson where she continued her active life style for 20 years. In 1999, she returned to southern Manitoba, residing in Stonewood Place and living independently until her death. Over the years, she had many interests, curling, bowling, volunteering at Heritage North Museum in Thompson and participating in activities at Stonewood Place. Mom was predeceased by her husband Reuben, son Clifford, grandson Gordie, as well as many of her siblings. She will be fondly remembered by her children Don Olson (Gert) of Winnipeg, Doreen Lindquist (Axel) of Thompson, Delphie Norberg (Gunnar) of Meadows and daughter-in-law Dorothy of Tuesnel, BC; 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandsons; two sisters Sophie Anderson and Lillian Norman of Minnesota, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and step -grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held at the Community Centre in Sprague on Monday, March 23 at 1:00 p.m. with interment at Sprague Cemetery. If desired, donations in her memory may be made to EBC Seniors' Housing, Box 207, Sprague, MB R0A 1Z0, in care of Elsa Laing or Daycare Programs, in care of Rosewood Lodge, 513 1st Ave. N, Stonewall, MB R0C 2Z0 or a charity of your choice. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2009