Obituary
Olga Gernhard (Siis) passed peacefully on the evening of Thursday, April 7, 2022, at Intercare Chinook Care Centre, Calgary. She was one month away from her 90 birthday. Olga was predeceased by her husband Eugen (September 2010); her brother Albert Siis; sisters Agnes Dickof, Adeline Siis, Alice Davies, and Linda Selch. She is survived by her son Robert (Kathy); daughter Cynthia Seal (Ian); grandchildren Kristin Solowoniuk (Nicolas), Bryce, Collin, and Cody; and great-grandchildren Kaelyn and Declan.
Olga was born and raised on a farm three miles outside of Beausejour, MB. Throughout her childhood, Olga was at home with her youngest sister, Agnes, because the four oldest siblings had already left home and worked in Winnipeg, MB. Olga followed the footsteps of her siblings by moving to Winnipeg and attended the Secretarial course at the Angus School of Commerce. She was employed at the Canadian National Railway upon her graduation. Olga enjoyed the company of her friends and family and was active in sororities and faith-based charities.
Olga joined the Lutheran Church of the Cross when she moved to Winnipeg. She enjoyed music; she sang as well as played the piano and organ. Olga participated in the church choir and eventually met Eugen, her future husband who also sang in the choir. They married on September 3, 1960, surrounded by family as well their many friends from the church.
Olga and Eugen were blessed with two children (Rob and Cindy) and moved to the western suburbs of Winnipeg where they became an integral part of the neighborhood and entertained regularly. One of Olga’s gifts was creating irresistible desserts. Family life included home-cooked meals with the family each day. On special occasions, there was an extensive buffet of meat, salads, potatoes, and desserts served around the ping pong table in the basement when the extended family all came ready for a feast.
Olga enjoyed staying home with the kids but as they grew older, she decided to return to the workforce. She upgraded her secretarial skills and was offered a position with the Winnipeg Police Service where she was a loyal administrative assistant for eighteen years until she retired. She enjoyed the work and collegial culture of those who served.
Olga continued to pursue her musical talents once she and Eugen became empty nesters. She enjoyed voice lessons and performed in recitals alongside a wide age range of participants.
Upon retirement, Olga and Eugen left their lifetime friends, family, and neighbors in Winnipeg to be closer to their children in Calgary. Rob and his wife Kathy had a daughter, Kristin, and son Bryce. Cindy married Ian and they had twin boys, Collin and Cody. Olga and Eugen were enthusiastic grandparents; they travelled to different cities when Cindy’s family relocated across Canada and the USA and participated in many trips with Rob and Kathy.
Olga and Eugen lived in a retirement neighborhood where the residents enjoyed their golden years by socializing while seated on lawn chairs during the summer months and around kitchen tables during the colder months. Olga and Eugen joined the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, sang in the choir, and built relationships with fellow members. The church family and neighbors provided support to the family when Eugen’s health failed and he passed away on September 22, 2010, three weeks after their 50th wedding anniversary.
Olga continued to live independently but arthritis and a broken hip curtailed her activity. She transitioned to assisted care and was eventually admitted to hospice when her health failed due to Renal Cancer. The family is forever grateful for the compassion and care she received at Intercare Chinook Care Center while her health declined in the past twelve months.
In celebration of Olga’s life a service will be held Thursday, April 14, 2022, at 2:00pm at Evan J. Strong North with live-streaming* available through the link below. Private interment will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers donations to Alzheimer Society of Canada or a charity of your choice.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Olga Gernhard May 10 1932 April 7 2022 (age 89)..
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta