OLIVE FULTZ (BAKER)

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OLIVE FULTZ (nee BAKER) October 17, 1922 - June 15, 2003 Peacefully, early Sunday morning, June 15, 2003, Olive Fultz, my mother and best friend passed away at St. Boniface Hospital. Mom was predeceased by Dad (George) in 1972, her twin sister Elva Thompson in 1999, and by her parents, Jim and Mabel Baker. She was also predeceased by her long-time friend and companion, Werner. Left to treasure her memory are her daughter Louise; sister Margaret Hawthorne (Rainy River, ON) and brother Stan Baker (Merritt, BC) as well as many family members and friends in Winnipeg and across Canada. She will also be missed by her precious companion Kibbles (a.k.a. "The Inch"). Mom was raised and educated in West Kildonan. As a young girl, she loved Nature and animals. She spent hours roaming the prairie with her brother Stan, having adventures, and bringing "strays" home whenever she could. This love of the Nature and the outdoors continued throughout her life. Mom married Dad in 1947, and moved to Transcona in 1960 with the closure of the C.N.R. Shops in Fort Rouge. She lived in the same house until her passing. She loved meeting and talking with people, and this was reflected in the jobs she chose - as a young woman, working in the food services of the C.P.R.s Royal Alexandra Hotel, and again, later in her life, at The Bay (the Staff Cafeteria, The Paddlewheel and La Soupiere). Mom always looked forward to school and Royal Alex reunions, and Bay get-togethers to meet and catch-up with old friends. Mom was a very loving mother and best friend. She had a quiet, but deep faith in God. She was active in my life whether it be teaching Sunday School, leading a Brownie pack, or making "fancy sandwiches" for birthday parties. I have many fond memories of the special holiday traditions we established over the years. After Dad passed away, Mom was very fortunate to have met Werner and enjoyed his company for 17 years until his passing. They were constantly "on the go" - gardening, camping, fishing, and cross-country skiing. Shortly after her retirement from The Bay in 1987, Mom suffered a heart attack followed by a diagnosis of CHF (Congestive Heart Failure). This condition began her long association with the Cardiology Department of St. Boniface Hospital and drug study programs. Mom didnt let her condition spoil her enjoyment of life, and kept busy with a variety of activities. She was a member of the U.C.W. of Transcona Memorial United Church and the Transcona Legion. She enjoyed gardening; feeding the birds; baking and swapping recipes with her sister Elva; knitting and needlework; and reading. Scrabble games and working on crossword and jig-saw puzzles became "traditions". She loved our shopping sprees and lunches in all the Winnipeg malls. She especially enjoyed her "Dinner, Movie and Canasta" evenings with friends. Mom loved going to performances at M.T.C., Prairie Theatre Exchange, Rainbow Stage, and the W.S.O. concerts. Frequent visits to Assiniboine Park, The Forks, St. Norbert Farmers Market and Gimli had to be made. Mom always looked forward to our summer trips to various parts of Canada, and camped up until she was 75 (after which we "hotelled it"). She regularly asked about my Grade 8s and my teaching, and was a great help with bulletin boards, marking quizzes, and supporting our school musicals. Mom was always there for me giving a listening ear, her love, and support. I will deeply miss our talks. I am so thankful to God that Mom was able to celebrate her 80th birthday with family and friends last fall. The evening left us with many happy and cherished memories. I would also like to thank so many people who looked after Mom - Dr. A. Morris and Joy MacKenzie at St. Boniface Hospital who worked with her over the last 15 years. Mom considered you Family. My sincere thanks to Marlene, Michelle, Linda, Eleanor, and other Home Care personnel who came each day over the last year and a half. I appreciate the immediate attention and care Mom received from the Transcona area paramedics and fire department during her medical emergencies. Thanks also to the staff of the Emergency Department and 5A/5E Wards of St. Boniface Hospital. A very special thank you to Flo Erratt who kept a watchful eye on Mom through the years. Mom treasured your friendship. Many thanks to my cousin Joan for her support and guidance during this difficult time. Words cannot express my appreciation and love for my friends and my Winkler/W.E.S. "Family" whose prayers and actions have given me strength and comfort. Cremation has taken place. Moms memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15 at Glen Eden Funeral Home, with Rev. Don Wilson officiating. Interment to follow in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. A gathering of family and friends will follow in the Reception Centre. Flowers are gratefully declined. Remembrances may be made to a charity of ones choice. Love recalls What time erases... Love preserves What childhood knew... Love reminds The heart forever... How a mother Cares for you. Ollie, you were a kind and wonderful lady. I miss you! Love, Fiona Thanks, Mom, for all the wonderful memories; for your listening ear and unconditional love. God bless you. All our love, "Weezie" and "The Inch"

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2003