ROSA OLSON

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ROSA OLSON Peacefully on July 23, 2002 after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease), Rosa Olson (Erickson) of Stonewall, MB, passed away. Rosa grew up and attended school in Mary Hill District, took Grade 11 at Lundar School and attended United College (University of Winnipeg) to complete grade 12. Rosa taught one year as a permit teacher at Vestfold School before entering nursing at the Winnipeg General Hospital. She worked as a nurse and matron at Gladstone Hospital and at Vancouver General. During her married years she worked as an RN and radiotherapist at the Manitoba Cancer Foundation and at St. Boniface Oncology. Rosa was a selfless person who always saw the best in everyone and every situation. She committed her life to helping others, both through her 42 years of nursing and her volunteer efforts in the community including United Church Council, UCW and Ladies Hospital Auxiliary. Rosa was also a volunteer driver for Cancer Foundation patients. She offered support, inspiration and strength to many family members and friends who have faced difficult challenges. Rosa enjoyed reading, line dancing, gardening, crossword puzzles, game shows and cards, but most of all she loved to spend time with family and friends going camping, fishing or enjoying time at the lake, both at the Narrows and at Pelican Lake. Mom and Dad also enjoyed travelling and Mom was often teased about her meticulous Trip-Tik Travels. Rosa was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, auntie and friend. Rosa thought the world of her grandchildren, Blair and Lindsay, and played an integral role in their lives. Rosa was predeceased by her mother Alla Erickson (1957) and father Beggi Erickson (1990), as well as her brother Bergsveinn (1994) and niece Diane (1983). Rosa leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Ken Olson; daughter Cyndy and son-in-law Doug Stewart; her grandchildren, Blair and Lindsay; as well as her sister Jona Schott (Jack) sister-in-law Louise; brothers-in-law, Charlie Olson (Pearl) and Clarence Olson (Ethel) and sister-in-law Betty Taylor (Al) as well as all her treasured nieces and nephews and their families. Rosa and her family were all touched by the compassion of the many angels on her journey. We are forever grateful for the kindness of family and friends who were at her side, those who loaned special equipment, took Mom on outings, visited and wrote letters of support. A special thank you to the Stonewall Lions Club and Legion for their generosity. To the wonderful ALS Team and Support Group at Deer Lodge and for the compassion and excellent care by Drs. Van Amede and Bourque. Heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Stonewall Hospital who respected Moms wishes and for the kindness shown to us all. Rosa accepted her illness with grace, dignity and courage. She left the gift of strength, hope and inspiration to all people that she met. Most of all, she left her family with a strong and enduring assurance of her love. We will all miss her. Viewing and prayers will be held on Friday, July 26 at 7:00 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, Stonewall. A memorial service will be held at the Stonewall United Church on Saturday, July 27 at 2:00 p.m.; Revs. Mary Best and Beth Rutherford officiating. Refreshments will follow at the Stonewall Legion. In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted to the Manitoba ALS Society, N. 108 North Pavilion, Deer Lodge Centre, 2109 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3. A family donation will be made to Stonewall Hospital. "In the arms of an angel, may she find comfort there". MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, Stonewall, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2002