Olive Florence Torchia (Cairns)

On November 29, 2021, Olive passed away peacefully with her loving daughters Carol and Joanne at her side. She was predeceased by Joe, her devoted husband of 62 years. Her memory will always be cherished by daughters Carol and Joanne (Andre), grandchildren Brett (Rhea), Carla (CJ), Ryan (Jennifer), Mathieu (Cheryl) and great-grandchildren Cassidy (Christophe), Ayden, Ethan, Daniel, Cade, Kaya, Chase, Carter and Lainey. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Olive was born in Cartwright, Manitoba on August 21, 1922 to Edward Cairns and Lily (McKelvey). She had two brothers, Walter and Melvin, and three sisters: Elsie, Doris and Eileen, who have all passed.

She grew up in Cartwright, Killarney and Pilot Mound. Olive was an excellent student and her gift for drawing was evident at an early age. At 19, she moved to Winnipeg and worked as a salesclerk, florist and hostess at various businesses.

In 1945, she met and married Joseph Torchia. Together they raised their girls and were always at each other’s side, building a happy home. Life was filled with warm, happy times with family and close friends. We’ll always remember the huge Christmas and New Year’s parties she managed to put together while working at Sears. She was a fabulous cook and her meals were enjoyed by all.

Olive loved gardening, spending time at the cottage and music. She attended the Manitoba Opera for 25 years. She enjoyed reading and was a talented artist.

She was a sweet lady, loved by all who met her. She was courageous in battling breast cancer and a triple-bypass surgery many years ago, handling all with grace. She never complained and made us so proud.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to all of the dedicated health care workers who took incredible care of her over the last few years of her life, especially to those at Betel Home Gimli.

A private family burial took place on December 3, 2021. A celebration of her life will be held at Thomson in the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivary Boulevard in Winnipeg in August when Olive would have had her 100th birthday.

Thank you for your love. You were always there to support us. You will be greatly missed.