Olga Charles

Olga Helene Charles passed away January 27th, 2014 at St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon, SK. Left to cherish her memories and celebrate her life are her son, James Douglas Charles of Vancouver, BC and her daughter, Judith Dianne Chuey (Walter) of Saskatoon; seven granddaughters, Lynne(Rob) Nash of Calgary AB, Sandra(Kevin) Johnston of Lac La Biche, AB, Joann(Scott) Korek of Calgary, AB, Anne(Kevin) Frey of Sylvan Lake, AB, Patricia(Brian) Pedersen of Lantzville, BC, Christine(Fotis) Xipolitakis of Ottawa, ON, and Sharon(Darren) Schmidt of Toronto, ON; eleven great grandchildren, Angela, Alex and Emily Nash, Athen Korek, Tailer and Brendan Frey, Walty Pedersen, Peter and Ben Xipolitakis, Daniel and Madelaine Schmidt. Olga was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Aasta Simonson; her husband, Douglas Charles and all of her siblings and their spouses, Elvie (Wallace) Charles, Esther (Dave) Martin, Otto (Patricia) Simonson and Carl (Hilda) Simonson. Olga was born on June 15, 1917 near Rorvik, Norway. She was the eldest of five children born to Harold and Aasta Simonson. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926 to a farm south of Watson, SK. In November of 1934 the family relocated to a farm west of Pleasantdale, SK. Olga married Douglas Charles in 1936. Doug raised and exhibited Clydesdale horses at many local, provincial and national fairs. They retired from the farm in 1967 and moved to Saskatoon to be closer to family. Olga’s most joyful moments in life were seeing her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved to garden, bake, sew, knit, crochet and do needlework. Olga volunteered at the Norwegian Pavilion during the annual Saskatoon Folkfest. Olga and Doug moved to Elim Lodge in 1991. After Doug’s death in 1992, Olga remained at Elim for twenty-two years. Olga always maintained a positive attitude and looked for the best in every day. She enjoyed a good meal, good conversation and a good cup of tea. Her Faith in God and daily prayer have kept her strong.