OLGA (OLLIE) BERNICE SKAVINSKI (BODZ)

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OLGA (OLLIE) BERNICE SKAVINSKI (nee BODZ) After a courageous battle with cancer, Ollie peacefully passed away on July 21, 2005 surrounded by her family. Born in Stuartburn, MB in 1950 to Ann (Saranchuk) and John Bodz, Ollie moved to Winnipeg in 1968 and joined MTS. Later she met Joseph (Joe or Airplane Joe) Skavinski and they married in 1970. Ollie gave birth to her first child Rosemarie (Rose) in 1974. Later that year they moved to St. Francois Xavier where they built their home and business, Joe's Aircraft Service. A second daughter, Janet, was born in 1975. Ollie presented her girls with a baby brother, Nicholas (Nick), in 1986. Widowed in 1993, Olga continued the family business. In addition, she returned to MTS in 2000 to work in the Property Services department with co-workers who quickly became her extended family. Olga had the joy of working in the same building as her best friend and sister, Pat. After 28 years in St. Francois Xavier, Olga and Nick moved to the apartment' in Winnipeg. Throughout her life, Olga was a devoted mother who placed her children ahead of her needs. Family was always her number one priority. Although the family business kept her busy, she always made time for her extended family and community. Before her illness she was always active - cooking, baking, travelling with family on road trips and fishing trips and her special joys of gardening and reading. She was a dedicated Jets and Bomber fan and attended many Jets games with her children, as well as listening to or watching the games whenever she could. Ollie was a friend to all who knew her and at all times kind and generous. She will be remembered for her enduring sense of humour, her courage in the face of adversity, and her dogged determination. Ollie gave love freely and generously; she had numerous dear friends who enriched her life and became her extended family. Those who knew her also loved her and respected her. Olga will be greatly missed. Olga was predeceased by her husband in 1993, father in 1974, mother in 2001, brother Roman in 1999, and in-laws, John Skavinski in 1979 and Emily (Storozuk) in 1995. She is survived by her children, Rose (Michael), Janet (Cary) and Nick; siblings, Mary (Norman) Popadynetz, Orest (Rose), Nestor (Teresa), and Pat (Wally) Denesyk; sisters-in-law, Sophie Bodz, Mary Gerelus, Ann VanMale; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff from homecare, CancerCare, Health Sciences Centre and Seven Oaks' PANSU unit for the care of their mom through her final years. Heartfelt thanks to the devoted staff of Grace Hospice as your care, compassion, kindness and support for Mom and her family during this difficult time will never be forgotten. A heartfelt thank you to Nicola Shaeffer for being such a wonderful friend to Olga and her kids. Viewing and prayers will be at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 24 at Chapel Lawn. Divine Liturgy funeral service will be celebrated on Monday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 202 Harcourt St. followed by fellowship and lunch at Viscount Gort with interment to follow at Chapel Lawn. Donations may be made in her memory to Grace General Hospital Foundation or CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca VICHNAYA PAMYAT! MEMORY ETERNAL!

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 23, 2005