Olga Maud Kirlew

Olga Maud Kirlew lovingly known as Aunty Biddy or Sister Bids passed away on January 5th, 2025 at Advent Health Hospice Altamonte Springs, Florida at the grand age of 97 years old. She touched many lives over her 97 years as she was an extraordinary kind spirit that welcome anyone she met like family. She loved deeply and cared greatly about her family and friends who have been blessed to know her. All will absolutely miss her and her caring thought process.

Olga was born in Belvedere, Westmoreland, Jamaica on December 27th, 1927, to Mabel and Eugene Ulett. She grew up and went to school in Belvedere and then moved to Kingston where she met and married her loving husband Hector in 1954. Her loving daughter Lorna was born and then the family migrated to London, UK in 1958 and in 1959 she gave birth to her loving son Michael. In 1969 the family migrated again, this time to Hartford, Connecticut where she lived, worked, and played until 1991.

After several years working at a photo studio, Olga dedicated her life to the healthcare industry. She unconditionally enjoyed helping people and truly cared about their wellbeing. Over 49 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant in her working life, and a hospital volunteer in her retired life, she was always giving. After moving to Casselberry, Florida in 1991, Olga was invited to a Sunday service at St. Alban’s Anglican Cathedral. She soon after joined the church’s congregation and attended Sunday services on a regular basis. She loved St. Alban’s and all of the diverse parishioners making many new friends and relationships that have lasted throughout the years. Olga was devoted to St. Alban’s and participated in all of the activities, fundraisers, gatherings and couldn’t wait for the annual Caribbean dance. She had a passion for cooking, caregiving, music, and dancing. She was also active in the Senior Citizen Center supporting various initiatives, fundraisers, and efforts to help seniors. She enjoyed and made friends easily while doing her walking exercise at the park, water acrobatics at the community pool, or dancing at social events which she loved! She was married to her loving husband Hector for 46 years before his passing in 2000. Olga worshipped and adored her children Lorna, Michael, and daughter in-law Valerie. She always supported their dreams and endeavors as Lorna pursed college after high school and Michael joined the Navy. Both children are successful today due to her and Hector’s love and commitment to their welfare. And she loved her Valerie as they had so much in common. She drove her little car well into her 90s with her beloved little doggie of over 15 years, Susie Q as her copilot. Even after it became difficult for her to attend Sunday services, she still maintained her weekly committed offerings and interest in St. Alban’s church. And the church loved her back as evident by the numerous Fathers, Nuns, and friends who would frequently visit her at her home.

Olga was one of ten children, Prudence, Kenneth, Violet, Edna, Turnell, Mary, Imogene, Olga, Hazel, and Charles. She was the last of her generation to be invited home to eternal paradise by the Lord. And she leaves behind her daughter Lorna, son Michael, and daughter in-law Valerie along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews that she absolutely adored and loved immensely. All of the young family members were super special to her and she embraced many more young people as dear family members. Olga, Aunty Biddy, Sister Bids will be missed by all for many years to come, as she was admired, cherished, and loved by her large family, many friends, and countless acquaintances. She was a magnificent and memorable lady who will be in our hearts and minds forever!

Sharing this very special good bye to our loving Mother Olga Maud Kirlew is exactly what she would have wanted. She is smiling down on us and missing us very much. But she is also no doubt saying, I am at such peace that I have lived my life in such a way that has brought happiness, love, and respected to so many. I closed my eyes knowing all is well with my Lord, my children, my family, and my friends.

I love you all!

Aunty Biddy.