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Olga was the first of two children born to Roman and Anne Zalewski. Her brother John followed three years later. Olga grew up on Trevor Street back in the day when the road ended at the creek. In the winter, she and her friends would sled down Carbonate Street on their toboggans, spend summers at Gyro and Lakeside Parks and help at home with growing vegetables, canning, and learning the traditional Doukhobor cooking from her mother. As a young girl, she picked up the skills of sewing and using knitting and crochet needles. She graduated from Nelson High School in 1954 and worked at a few local businesses one of which was Peebles Motors.
She met Alec Saviskoff through mutual friends at a wedding and they were soon engaged and married in 1955. They left Nelson for Kitimat and started a family, followed by moves to Cranbrook, Mission City, Abbotsford and back to Nelson in 1967. They had always intended to get back to their hometown and quickly got back into the community scene with family and friends.
Mom loved to do all sorts of handy work like sewing, knitting and gardening. She truly had a green thumb and always had a house full of plants. Her other hobbies included bowling, golf and collecting all sorts of items. For over 25 years, she was an Avon representative and with her lifelong connection to the city, she had a huge customer list and seemed to know half the town. At one time or another, we all were enlisted to help her with deliveries. As a mother, raising 4 kids, she was excited to go back to work for the first time on the Canada census in 1970, even if it was only for a couple of weeks. She and Alec spent many years wintering in the Palm Springs area, lazing by the pool, socializing and picking through endless flea markets.
Olga was predeceased by her parents, husband Alec (2013), daughter Molly Ann (2020) and grand-daughter Kourtney (2017). She is survived by her brother John Zalewski (Marlene), her children: Peter, Shirley (Ramin) and Alan, grandchildren Nick (Christina), Angela (Devan), Tosh, Tula, Kaden, Jordyn and many nieces and nephews.
Although she struggled with mobility issues for some years, her mind remained sharp as ever. She could still manage her affairs and engage in lively conversation. After a short stay in the hospital, she passed peacefully and in comfort with her family at her side. Mom’s last 2 months were spent in assisted living at Mountain Lakes. She enjoyed her time there immensely and the family wishes to thank all the staff for making it such a great home for her. Also, we would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at KLGH for making mom’s final days comfortable and providing excellent care to her.
Cremation and interment at Nelson Memorial Park Cemetery followed by a celebration of life. Date to be announced.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Olga Saviskoff March 16 1936
October 9 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Nelson, Province: Colombie britanique
As soon as I saw the name “Olga”, I immediately felt saddened because I knew it would be Olga Zalewsky, an old friend from Nelson high school, and that it would announce her passing. My deepest sympathies go to Olga’s family.