OLGA CAPAR (ONYSCHUK)

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OLGA CAPAR (nee ONYSCHUK) With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the family of Olga Capar announces her sudden and unexpected passing on January 1, 2011. Olga was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, friend and educator. Olga was a loving and devoted mother to her children, Peter (Elaine) and Petra (Jonathan) Anderson, and they are deeply saddened by their loss. She will also be dearly missed by her only grandchild, Grace, whom she adored. In addition, to mourn her passing, Olga leaves her brothers, Michael (Helen) Onyschuk, Merlyn (Connie) Onyschuk; brother-in-law John Taylor, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law. Olga was predeceased by her husband Peter (Sr.) in 2007; sister Minnie; parents, Paul and Pauline. Born on the family homestead in Malonton, Manitoba, on March 9, 1932, Olga was the second of four children. The importance of education and hard work was instilled in Olga from an early age. She began her education in Malonton and later determinedly commuted daily by train to Teulon in order to get her high school diploma. Her love for children led her to embark on a life-long career of working with them. She entered Manitoba Normal School in the late 1940s. Her first year of teaching in 1950 at a one-room schoolhouse in Bernie, Manitoba, was followed by teaching positions in St. Andrews, St. Boniface, Portage and finally at Goulding School at the RCAF Base in Gimli. It was to raise her children that Olga left the teaching profession, but she returned to the classroom for many years as a substitute and term teacher with the Evergreen School Division until she turned 65. Throughout those years many young lives were influenced, and lasting friendships were created. In July, 1966, Olga married Peter (Sr.), and they began to raise their family in Fraserwood. Together they became actively involved in their community; this devotion to serve instilled a strong sense of civic responsibility in their children. Olga was a devoted member of the Fraserwood Hall for over 40 years and served as its Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer for approximately 10 of those years. For 35 years she was a devoted member of the Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church; there, a notable element of her contribution remains in those altar cloths that her sewing skills created. After her husband's demise, Olga joined the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church in Gimli and also participated in its Ladies League. Retirement brought an opportunity for Olga to spend more time focusing on other interests; these included sewing, painting, reading, tending to flower gardens and travelling among other things. She and Peter (Sr.) travelled to Ukraine, Italy, Lourdes and numerous locations closer to home; of those were the frequent trips to their favourite destination - Grand Forks. Olga also found plentiful time to spend with her only and much-treasured grandchild, Grace. And, Grace became the lucky beneficiary of some of the finest custom-made cloth items that Olga's creativity, sewing skills and sewing machines could turn out. Prayers will be held at the Fraserwood Hall on Sunday, January 9 at 7:00 p.m. with the Right Reverend John Melnyk officiating. Funeral services will follow at the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, 58-5th Avenue, Gimli, on Monday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Harry Chuckry officiating. Interment to follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Olga's memory may be made to the Fraserwood Hall Building Fund, in care of P.O. Box 95, Fraserwood, Manitoba R0C 1A0. Vichnaya Pam'yat Memories Eternal Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2011