Obituary of Ella Olson

Ella Isabelle Olson

1928 – 2024

Ella Isabelle Olson passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 with family by her side at Fairview Personal Care Home at the age of 96 years. Ella was born on April 9, 1928 to Edward & Marie Hoff whose families had homesteaded at Mair, Saskatchewan in the early 1900’s. Her mother sadly passed away when Ella was born. Her dad, a young farmer grieving the loss of his wife and struggling to support a young family, gratefully accepted Ella's maternal grandparents, Henry and Rose Patten's offer, the help of Ella's Aunt, Dorothy Patten to care for and raise Ella. Ella had two older brothers, Johnny and Fred (both deceased) and two older sisters, Evelyn (now 104 years old) and Rosie (deceased). At age 16, Ella learned the joy of becoming a big sister and lovingly accepted a new sister, Annette who was 2 years old when she joined the Patten family. Ella attended school in Grangehurst, SK from grades 1 to 9 and then stayed home to work on her grandfather's farm, and later in his store and Post Office. Ella married Edwin Olson on September 27, 1947. Ella had six children, John, who sadly passed at age six from an illness, Lana (Bob) Kidd, Ron, Donna (Murray) Way, Dave (Maureen), and Tim. She has eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Being the wife of a railway man meant many moves -  16 in total; Mair, Perry, Parkman, Watrous, Beinfait, Fairlight and Melville to name a few in Saskatchwan; Brandon, MB, Fort Francis ON, and lastly in Winnipeg, MB. Ella retired with Ed in 1986 and moved to Kenosee Lake, SK. where they lived for 11 years until their final move back to Brandon, MB. After 57 years of marriage Ella continued on after Ed's passing in 2003. Ella found great comfort in her church and attended faithfully, belonging to many CWL clubs in several parishes where they lived, ending at St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Brandon.

She loved going to breakfast with many friends after church services wherein conversation's all life's problems could be solved.

Mom loved playing sports when younger and enjoyed watching her kids in hockey. She loved to golf and continued to play until she was 93, quite often winning the round. Mom will be sadly missed by family and friends, many fond memories of a mother's love will remain with us forever.

A special thanks to all the staff at Fairview Personal Care Home who gave so generously in their time and caring for mom in her final years with us. Their wonderful work will surely be remembered by her family. Ella will be reunited with Ed at the Brandon Cemetery to rest in peace and join all family who have passed before her. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church, 327 4^th Street, Brandon, on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.