OLIVE MARGARET BIRRELL (KING) -

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OLIVE MARGARET BIRRELL (nee KING) 1922 - 2011 It is with unspeakable sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Olive Birrell, on September 2, 2011 at the Golden Door Geriatric Centre. Olive will be greatly missed by her husband of 69 years Wally, son-in-law Brian (Linda), daughter-in-law Paula, her brother Allan King (Barbara) of Calgary, her five grandchildren, her eight great-grandchildren, her four nieces and their families, and her numerous friends, including lifetime best friend Mary McDonald. Olive was predeceased by her parents Winnifred and Jack, her daughter Wendy and her son Richard. Olive was born May 8, 1922 in Yorkton, SK. She grew up in Winnipeg and married Wally in 1942. They raised their son and daughter in St. James and later, after their children were grown, Olive and Wally moved to Montreal for seven years with Air Canada. The pull of family and homesickness brought Olive and Wally back to Winnipeg where Nana played a very busy role in the lives of her grandchildren. Sleepovers, drives to the farm to get eggs, camping in the pop-up trailer, and huge family dinners were some of her greatest gifts to her family. Olive volunteered for years with the Stroke Recovery Association. She enjoyed her Wednesday afternoons of ceramics with her daughter Wendy, and she was very talented at both paper tole and cross-stitching. She belonged to a bridge club with many of her close friends and she was known for her wonderful cooking and baking. Olive loved the arts, including the symphony and the opera, and looked forward to her long lunches enjoying great conversation and red wine during visits to Winnipeg from her brother Allan. Olive and Wally enjoyed many trips throughout Canada, the U.S. and overseas. They had a large group of friends who looked forward to the annual poker picnic at Sandy Hook, MB and the annual Birrell Christmas Eve open house. We would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Golden Door Geriatric Centre. Their thorough and loving care helped both Olive and the family during this difficult time. A private family service will be held to honour Olive's life. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to the Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba, B-247 Provencher Boulevard, Winnipeg Manitoba R2H 0G6, 942-2880. Thomson In the Park 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 03, 2011