LILLIAN CECILE OLSON, January 20, 1924 – January 17, 2017

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lillian, just 3 days before her 93rd Birthday. She passed peacefully in her sleep following several months of illness. Lillian is survived by her daughters, Ingrid Olson of The Pas, MB; Sonja Olson (Robert) of Victoria, BC; Juanita Oraevsky (Alex) of Houston, TX; Valerie Barnhill (John) of Houston, TX; Bonnie Olson of Columbia, SC, and son, Ollie Olson of Selkirk, MB, along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lillian was predeceased by her husband, Elmer Claus Olson, her daughter Karen Olson and her son, Nels Olson. She is survived by her brothers, John and Herb and her sister, Anne.

Lillian was one of 7 children born to Joseph Herbert and Marie Anna Baker. She was born on a farm near Wilcox, Saskatchewan, Canada. Later, her family moved to a farm near Sedley where some of her younger siblings were born. After completing high school and teaching, she graduated from nursing school in 1947. Later, she met her husband, Elmer Claus Olson in Vancouver, BC. They married in 1950 and settled in Winnipeg. She continued her work as a nurse while raising their family of 8 children. Her husband died suddenly in an automobile accident when their youngest child was only 2 and the oldest was 14. She made a heroic effort to keep her family together, working multiple jobs and raising her children as a single mom.

In 1974, Lillian moved to Corpus Christi, Texas along with her 4 youngest children and continued working as a nurse until she was 70. She eventually moved to Houston in 1996 where she lived with her daughter Valerie. While she was able, she spent almost every summer in Canada visiting with family and friends. She entered the nursing home in 2008.

Lillian loved to play bingo, cards and dominos throughout her lifetime. She made several bus trips to Louisiana with other seniors to play bingo and slot machines. She was known as the Bingo Queen during her almost 9 years at the nursing home, The Concierge. Lillian had a great sense of humor and often made people laugh with her witty remarks. There was never a dull moment around Lillian. She loved The Concierge, and over the years, she became everyone’s Mom.

Lillian was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren. She never lost the joy of youth and always enjoyed her food, especially desserts. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Lillian’s Rosary and Wake Service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 24, at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church, 13350 Ashford Point Dr., Houston, Texas 77082. Her Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 26th, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 255 Stafford Street, Winnipeg, MB followed by a Burial Service at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB.

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