Olga Josephine Hodgins, aged 69, passed away peacefully at Cascades Hospice in Chilliwack, BC on January 12, 2012. Lovingly remembered by her husband Richard (Dick), mother Mary, brother Ed (Rita), children Lynne (Jim), Karen and Steve (Barb), grandchildren Tyler, Kailie, Angela and Devin as well as many relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her father Andrew.
A Celebration of her life will be held at the Sunrise Banquet Centre at 5640 – 188th Street in Surrey, BC on Friday, January 20, 2012 at 1 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made at the celebration so that they can donate an item in Olga’s memory to the Cascades Hospice. Donations to the B.C. Cancer Society would also be appreciated.
Olga was born on June 12th, 1942 in Radway, Alberta to Mary (Poloway) and Andrew Mazur. The family lived on a farm until 1944 when they moved to Vancouver. Shortly after they arrived they rented two grocery stores and a rooming house near Stanley Park where her mother worked tirelessly. Olga’s father worked in the shipyards painting boats and then at the sugar refinery before settling into his career with BC Hydro. Her upbringing was modest but her parents worked hard so Olga would have a happy childhood. While living in Vancouver Olga found a love of Ukrainian dancing and took lessons for several years. In 1948, they moved to Cloverdale and rented a little house while Olga’s dad built their dream house and cultivated an amazing garden. On April 28th, 1952 she welcomed her brother Ed into their family with open arms. Olga was a loving big sister and never hesitated to help look after her baby brother.
In 1960 she met the love of her life. Richard (Dick) was on his way to a Boy Scout meeting and was sharply dressed in his leader’s uniform when he ran into Olga. A couple of days later he asked her out and since she loved how his bony knees looked in his uniform shorts, she accepted. On Olga’s 18th birthday their first date began with Dick being a little surprised to see Olga wearing a full-skirted dress including a crinoline along with high heeled shoes considering that they were going up Mount Baker. Things must have gone well that day because on February 8th, 1964 they were married. Their life together began in a small house just off King George Highway in Surrey. Their first child, Lynne was born on February 21st, 1964 and shortly after that they moved to the area that is now Surrey Central Mall. On May 10th, 1966 they welcomed their second daughter Karen into the family. Shortly before their son Steve was born on July 6th, 1969 the family moved to a larger house in North Delta where the kids lived throughout their childhood.
Shortly out of high school Olga was hired by the Surrey Welfare Office where she worked until she became a mother. She traded in her typewriter for apron strings and devoted her time to her children. Her kids always came first in her life and she often did without so that they would have what they needed. She spent countless hours baking goodies, sewing costumes and planning parties, often at the last minute. Not only did she drive the kids to their many sporting events but she selflessly gave her time to help out wherever she was needed. Her cheers could be heard for miles whether it was for her own kids or someone else’s. Olga and Dick shared their love of camping with their kids on family vacations and eventually bought a 5th wheel trailer and “roughed it” every summer at Vedder River Campground in Chilliwack.
Apparently her own three children weren’t enough to keep her busy so Olga ran a daycare out of the house. She loved all the daycare kids but Mike always held a special place in her heart. He became her fourth child and she loved him like he was her own.
Although she loved her children dearly, her grandchildren were the apples of her eye. She was in attendance for the births of Tyler in 1991, Kailie in 1994, Angela in 1996 and last but not least, Devin in 1998. She spoiled her grandchildren rotten, not only with treats and gifts but with her time and her love. She was always willing to take them frogging in the pond and always had an ample supply of nets and buckets. Her energy was boundless when it came to her grandchildren. She never paused to think about it when they asked Grandma to come and play but dove right in with enthusiasm no matter what the activity. The grandkids all knew that when mom or dad said no Grandma would always smile and say yes.
When her children were grown Olga went back to work as a mortgage administrator for Laurentian Bank until 2005 when she and Dick decided to retire. In 2006 they sold their much loved house in North Delta and moved into a rancher in Chilliwack to enjoy all their “free” time. Olga spent a lot of her summer days planning sports days for the kids at Vedder River Campground. She started out doing it for her own grandchildren but her love of kids and her caring ways had her continuing for many years to come. She also planned and participated in bocce and horseshoe competitions as well as bingo games at the campground. Her passion to do for others didn’t stop there. She was an avid bowler and passed on her skill and knowledge to many young kids including her own. When she wasn’t in planning or teaching mode she was tending to her gardens both at home and at the trailer. Her beautiful blooms were admired by family and friends alike.
Olga’s selfless and caring nature made her many a friend and she was loved by all who knew her. She had an amazing capacity to give love, not just to family but to everyone she met. She loved generously without ever wanting anything in return. She was never judgmental, loved people for who they were and never had a harsh word for anyone. Olga welcomed everyone into her house and her trailer with a warm smile and an extra plate at the table. Her party planning skills were second to none. Not a birthday, anniversary or holiday went by that she didn’t spend weeks planning so that it was special for all who were there.
There is much more that can be said about Olga but no amount of words would be enough to capture what an amazing woman she was. She was truly an angel with a heart of gold. Throughout her life she gave of herself to others and always put herself and her needs last. Though she loved to shop, Olga didn’t have expensive tastes or need a flashy lifestyle. Luxury to her was being surrounded by her family and friends and she always did her best to make everyone else’s life a little bit brighter. Even in her final weeks she was more concerned about how she was affecting other people’s lives than she was about herself. Through her love, generosity and good humor she has left those who knew her with many happy memories to cherish. She will live forever in the hearts of those she touched.
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