Olga Pritchard

Olga Pritchard (nee Derkach) left us on May 14, 2018. She was born in Winnipeg June 16, 1921 to Ukrainian immigrants, Wasyl and Annie. They instilled in her a desire for justice and equality for all , women and Aboriginal peoples in particular. She could be spotted even in her 70’s at demonstrations supporting peace, and home care workers. She started her activism in the late 1950’s by joining anti-nuke activities with Voice of Women. The tooth fairy never visited her daughter as all baby teeth were forwarded to D. Ursula Franklin’s studies of radiation and contamination.

Olga was atypical of women of era, embarking on a cross country train trip to B.C. in her early twenties. She was athletic (an active speed skater), intelligent but too self-sacrificing. She took a back seat to her siblings and did not pursue a formal education of her own. She was a long term employee of Eaton’s (china department) after her contribution to the war effort in sewing uniforms. Although she had only one biological child, she would assume parenting responsibilities for other children in the extended family, a habit which persisted as she became an informal mother to her daughter’s and her own friends. Children and animals could always bring a smile to her face too. Family was very important to Olga who would remain in contact with members of a somewhat convoluted family tree. She herself was a very dedicated and loving daughter to her own parents, being a primary caregiver to them.

She and her husband Chuck resided on Washington Avenue with her parents until they could build their own home in East St. Paul. She studied diligently on all aspects of construction and the home on Henderson Hwy. was built with friends and love. In spite of the high demands of the property, she continued to use the snowblower and lawn mower after Chuck’s death in 1973. She moved to an apartment and then eventually into Bethania Care Home.

She had been a resident of Bethania Care home for many years. She had a nimble mind and was an active reader, preferring biographies. She was actively engaged in reading about world affairs.

Her passing is mourned by family, both by blood and by choice. The unprecedented caring and compassion of all the staff of Bethania was greatly appreciated by Olga who claimed the staff as her family. She is survived by daughter Dawna (aka Bunny) . Special friend Sharon Burley was with her at her passing. Shirley Walker was often the assistant mama wrangler on outings. The loss of Margaret, Donna, and Trudy were particularly devastating. At Bethania, new friends Sim and Eleanor were also important to her before their passing. We are thankful for recent visitors: Carla, cousin Doreen , Leonard, Robin, Sherry , John and Victor. Bethania’s four legged volunteers, Linus and Duke were very welcome visitors. She was predeceased by husband Chuck, sister Mary Sequens, brothers John and Peter, nephew Rick Sequens and so many dear friends. At her request, there will be no formal service, with internment of ashes at Elmwood Cemetery, June 16th at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a cause of your choice such as the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters or Bethania Care Home grounds improvement fund.