OLGA TOPNIK (1912 - 2011)

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OLGA TOPNIK (1912 - 2011) Olga passed away peacefully on Monday, July 25, 2011, at the Southwood Care Centre in Calgary, AB, at age 99. Lifetime member of the Lutheran Church, her earthly journey has ended. We, her family, were blessed to have made this journey with her. She celebrated the days of her long life with a positive attitude and a spirit of fun and friendship to all who knew her. Olga was predeceased by her siblings and by her husband Harry in 1991. Olga was born in Steinbach, MB on February 14, 1912, to Henry and Barbara Kreutzer. She was the third youngest with six brothers and two sisters. She married Harry Topnik in 1935. Harry was a teacher and together they lived in Pleasant Valley, Hochfeld, Hochstadt, Seaton, Houston and Springstein before moving to Winnipeg in 1965. In 1996, Olga moved to Kirkhoff Gardens, St. Vital, MB and in 2003, to Garrison Woods Manor in Calgary, AB. Her last two years were spent in the Southwood Care Centre. Throughout her long and healthy life, Olga found greatest joy and pride in the achievements of all members of her family. She is survived and held dear by her children: Ken (Diane), Brian (Ellie), June (Bernie Mazur), and Carol (late James Darrah); her grandchildren, Troy, Jason, Greg, Matthew, James, Christine, Mark, Carlene; and precious great-grandchildren, Gavin, Keith, Portia, Alicia, Keira, Georgia, James, Maximos and Shelby. She also leaves two sister-in-laws to mourn, and many nieces and nephews, who loved and respected her. Mom leaves a legacy of love and devotion to her family and friends, often expressed in her superb baking and cooking. We will forever cherish the times when she satisfied our hearts and our hunger. Always generous and giving of herself, she lovingly crocheted afghans and blankets for family and World Relief. Her six years at Garrison Woods Manor in Calgary brought a wide circle of friends to enjoy her smile, vitality and style. Right to the end, she had an opinion on politics, sports and world news. She inspired us with her wisdom, intelligence, quick wit, strength and strong sense of independence. God has her safely in his keeping, but we have her forever in our hearts. Active pallbearers are Greg, Matt and James Mazur, Troy and Jason Topnik and Mark Darrah. The family thanks the staff at Southwood Care Centre for their compassionate care during Olga's stay and final days. A special thanks to Carol Darrah for the constant attention to her Mom during these last years. The family also wishes to acknowledge the support and devotion of Evelyn Bove, who made a special effort to see to Mom's needs and comfort. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, August 4, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 400 Rouge Rd., Winnipeg with Rev. Don Engel officiating. Interment at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, with reception to follow. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 30, 2011