OLGA MARIA (BABE) DAWSON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

OLGA MARIA (BABE) DAWSON July 4, 1906 - January 21, 2003 Peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2003, at Sunnywood Manor in Pine Falls, MB with her son Jim at her side, our mom and gramma passed away. Babe was predeceased by her parents, Tahro Tapani (Steven) Kuisma and Iida Kuisma (nee Oinonen) her husband George in 1959; and beloved son Peter in 1943; and by sisters, Laina and Hilja; and brothers, Eino, Emmanual and Walter. She leaves to cherish her memory, son Jim (Alice) of Grand Marais; granddaughter Diana (Eric Angel) grandson Christopher; and great-grandson Kyden Angel all of Winnipeg; her brother August of Sudbury, ON and nieces, Hillika, Tullika, Taimi and Irja of Finland. Babe wanted a larger family it would seem, and fulfilled her desire by including Marcel and Margaret Pitre and their three girls as part of it; not to mention numerous other people who became a part of her extended family. Babe was born in Mualaa, Finland and came to Canada in 1919 with her mother and younger brothers to join her father in Espanola, ON. Babe married George Sellers Dawson on January 7, 1928 in Winnipeg. The newlyweds travelled by train to Pine Falls, MB where she resided until her death some 75 years later. Babe was an independent and very capable woman, way ahead of her time. She was an ardent curler and thrilled to be part of the Manitoba Team, who along with teams from all the provinces, were invited to attend the first International Curling Tournament in Scotland in 1960. Babe was a charter member of OES Chapter 56 Pine Falls, her participation in the order was a very important part of her life. Her love for gardening was well known and evident in every place she lived. She was a beautiful seamstress, a very capable carpenter and in her spare time, taught Sunday School, nurtured her beloved grand-children and many others who called her Gramma. Babe served as an elder in the church and volunteered at the church sponsored Thrift Shop for many years. Babe did so many things during her long busy life but she was never happier than when she was helping others. Babe spent 28 years at Pineview Lodge and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Her friends there, past and present, could tell numerous stories about the adventures of living in a seniors home. The entire family wish to express their appreciation for the care and consideration to Babe in both Pineview Lodge and Sunnywood Manor. Special thank yous to home care, hospital staff and everyone at Sunnywood Manor, who made her remaining days pleasant and fun. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25 at 1:00 p.m. in the Church of the Advent (Anglican), Pine Falls, MB with Rev. Brian Rountree officiating. Interment of cremains will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please give a friend or stranger a helping hand in Babes memory. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2003