Mildred Irene Vipond Olson

The family of Mildred Olson (Vipond) regret to announce her passing well into her 100th year, just 3 months before her 100th birthday. Mom is survived and fondly remembered by daughters, Elaine Pederson and Louise Rumball, grandchildren Brent Pederson, Stacey Pederson Finley (Mike), Dawna Lee Rumball, Kimberli Rumball, and great grandchildren Locke and Amelia Finley. She is also survived by sister Mabel Charlton and brother Gilbert (Eleanor) Vipond, sister-in-law Irene Kutscher, nieces Neva (Clayton) Squire, Joanne (Bruce) Schurko, Bonnie (David) Little, Janice Charlton, and nephew Jack (Carol) Charlton. She was predeceased by her husband Erling (1976), son-in law Earl Pederson (1993), and sisters Viola Rommann (1996) Vivian Vipond (1999), and Opal Vipond (1986), brothers-in-law Fern Rommann (1982), Jim Charlton (1998), nephews Murry Charlton (1988), Dale Rommann (1995).

Mildred was well-loved and respected by all her relatives whether from the Vipond or Olson side of the family, and not one passed near Weyburn without stopping for a visit.

Cousins and grandchildren also fondly remember all the good times she hosted at Elmo Inn at Whitebear Lake and in her Weyburn home. Those family times were special to both Mildred and Erling, and the more kids ( and their parents) the better.

Mildred was born to Joseph and Susannah (Hancock) Vipond on a farm just south of Griffin, Saskatchewan. She joined sister Viola. (A boy, Milton, did not survive infancy.). Later there were siblings Vivian, Mabel, Gilbert, and Opal. She took most of her schooling in Griffin, but had to move to Fillmore to complete her grade 12. She completed her grade 12 at age 16, too young to go to normal school so she spent the next year at home as her father’s “right hand man“. Upon completing normal school she taught at St Elmo school and in Tribune until her marriage to Erling Olson in 1937. They lived on the Olson homestead until 1945, when they moved to Weyburn . She kept busy raising their daughters, managing the household, and helping out her extended family when needed. After the girls were older she became active in the United Church Harmony Unit, and the auxiliaries of Pioneer Place and the Union Hospital. She drove seniors to church and other activities for many years, and visited in the nursing homes.

Mildred was extremely capable and talented. She was truly a woman before her time. She was an excellent seamstress. She began sewing clothes for her siblings when only 12, and was often called upon to produce a like-new creation from leftovers. This talent served her well as a mother and grandmother. No children were better dressed---and all without benefit of a store-bought pattern. She also excelled in designing costumes. We all recall Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Purple People Eater, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Superman, the original Red Wing Booster Rooster, and an endless supply of fairies and witches. She often was in charge of costuming an entire figure skating routine. And of course, she was in charge of designing and creating all the graduation dresses, a bridal gown, and bridesmaid dresses. Her talents did not end with sewing. Her cake decorating skills were well known and she decorated several bridal and anniversary cakes, as well as everyone’s birthday cake.

She also was an excellent designer, making the master plan for the cottage at the lake and her new home, which showcased her innovative skills. And she was a carpenter! Her carpentry skills were demonstrated in the remodel of 3 bedrooms complete with built in drawers and cupboards. She was often called upon to add storage to rooms. She knew how to install anything, and could convert unused space into a built-in with record speed.

She loved her flowers, and took pride in a beautiful yard. In later years, she spent hours looking out her window at her prized begonias, and her geranium planters. She was also artistic, but didn’t really get into painting seriously because she always had something else to do. However, we used to marvel at her ability to draw a figure starting with her left hand, and then, instead of turning the paper, to just finish the drawing with her right hand. Mom was always quoting lines from some poem she had memorized when in school. We thought she had a poem for every occasion.

Mom’s training as a teacher and her ingenuity was never more tested than when she took it upon herself to teach her totally deaf grandchild how to speak. Daily lessons were taught from a classroom in the basement until she was old enough to go to regular school. With her parents also helping, this grandchild is now undertaking doctoral studies after completing two masters degrees. Grandma was very proud of all four of her grandchildren going on to university and convocating with various degrees.

Mom loved to travel. When we were young, it was Yellowstone, California, and in Canada. Later, Erling and Mildred toured Hawaii and Florida. After Erling died, it was motor home trips with the grandchildren. Eventually, she was in every state and province. Later on it was Australia, New Zealand, South Seas, Europe, Alaska, Scandinavia, British Isles, Holy Land, Egypt, Caribbean cruise, Japan, China, Hawaii again -- with a well organized photo diary and travel bag from each holiday. She always knew what should be seen and done in each locale. She was proud of the fact that she had visited 34 countries, and experienced travel in many modes--even riding an elephant and a camel. Mom loved doing puzzles of all kinds, but especially crosswords and word finds. There was always a jigsaw puzzle in progress on the table.

Mom is gone now. She died at her home after a very brief down spell, without pain and without suffering with Louise at her side. While we mourn her passing, we are thankful for the many years and memories we shared. It was a good life, well lived. We will miss her forever.

It was Mom’s wish that her body be sent to the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan to further medical research.

THERE WILL BE NO SERVICE AT THIS TIME.

Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels, Weyburn, Saskatchewan (306) 842-5432.