Obituary for Olga Nakonechny
Olga Nakonechny - (nee Zemliak)
It is with cherished memories and everlasting appreciation that we reflect on the full and giving life of Olga Nakonechny (nee Zemliak) who passed away peacefully July 11, 2020 aged 90. Her unwavering faith, values, commitment to others, and inner strength bettered the lives of all she met.
Olga was born in the prairie town of Elphinstone, Manitoba, the first child of six to Nicholas and Annie (nee Bachewich) Zemliak. Instilled were the importance of family, Catholic faith, Ukrainian heritage, hard work and community support. Showing an aptitude for study and leadership, Olga was invited at the age of 16 to teach in a one-room school house. She went on to earn a teaching certificate from Normal School in Winnipeg.
Among her most cherished memories were summer bus trips with fellow teachers through the western United States and Mexico. She met her husband, Elko, while teaching in Manitoba. A long-distance courtship culminated in marriage and a move to Sarnia in 1958. In Sarnia, Olga taught at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Elementary School. She and Elko were active parishioners of St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, where Olga also taught Ukrainian school.Olga put aside teaching to tirelessly raise three children, ensuring they graduated from university. She shared her creativity, love of learning and sense of adventure with her children through frequent trips to points of interest, craft making, embroidery, knitting, baking, making preserves, and much more. She herself returned to school to become a bank teller, joining the Bank of Montreal upon graduating. After many years with the bank, she retired, continuing her involvement with the church and visiting family in Ukraine and Western Canada. In 2001, she suffered a near-fatal stroke resulting in a severe loss of mobility and speech. But, she determinedly recuperated. Olga moved to Woodstock in 2004 to live with her youngest daughter, Roxanna. In 2016 she moved into Caressant Care Nursing Home in Woodstock to receive additional support.
Olga’s daughters and son would like to recognize and thank all family, friends, parishioners, neighbours, colleagues, students and healthcare providers who played such an important part in Olga’s and our lives. You made life’s joys shine brighter and eased its challenges.
Olga is the beloved wife of the late Elko (1990), loving mother of Bohdan (1959), Patricia Caldwell (Charles), Eugene and Roxanna; beloved baba/grandmother of Alexander, Nicholas, and late Patrick (1996); dear sister to Sr. Jean Zemliak, Morris Zemliak (2012) (Freda), Sr. Muriel Zemliak, Phyllis Kwiatkowski (Father Edward), and Nestor Zemliak (Alice); caring aunt to many nieces and nephews.
The family will welcome visitors at the SMITH-LeROY FUNERAL HOME, 69 Wellington St. N, Woodstock on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 6 – 8 pm. Panakhyda (Prayer Service) will be said at 7 pm. Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held at St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1045 Rosedale Ave, Sarnia on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 10 am. Interment will follow the mass at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery, Sarnia. Memorial donations can be made to SSMI (Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate) or St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Sarnia. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.smithleroy.com.
“Vichnaya Pamyat. May her memory be eternal.”
It is with cherished memories and everlasting appreciation that we reflect on the full and giving life of Olga Nakonechny (nee Zemliak) who passed away peacefully July 11, 2020 aged 90. Her unwavering faith, values, commitment to others, and inner strength bettered the lives of all she met.
Olga was born in the prairie town of Elphinstone, Manitoba, the first child of six to Nicholas and Annie (nee Bachewich) Zemliak. Instilled were the importance of family, Catholic faith, Ukrainian heritage, hard work and community support. Showing an aptitude for study and leadership, Olga was invited at the age of 16 to teach in a one-room school house. She went on to earn a teaching certificate from Normal School in Winnipeg.
Among her most cherished memories were summer bus trips with fellow teachers through the western United States and Mexico. She met her husband, Elko, while teaching in Manitoba. A long-distance courtship culminated in marriage and a move to Sarnia in 1958. In Sarnia, Olga taught at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Elementary School. She and Elko were active parishioners of St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, where Olga also taught Ukrainian school.Olga put aside teaching to tirelessly raise three children, ensuring they graduated from university. She shared her creativity, love of learning and sense of adventure with her children through frequent trips to points of interest, craft making, embroidery, knitting, baking, making preserves, and much more. She herself returned to school to become a bank teller, joining the Bank of Montreal upon graduating. After many years with the bank, she retired, continuing her involvement with the church and visiting family in Ukraine and Western Canada. In 2001, she suffered a near-fatal stroke resulting in a severe loss of mobility and speech. But, she determinedly recuperated. Olga moved to Woodstock in 2004 to live with her youngest daughter, Roxanna. In 2016 she moved into Caressant Care Nursing Home in Woodstock to receive additional support.
Olga’s daughters and son would like to recognize and thank all family, friends, parishioners, neighbours, colleagues, students and healthcare providers who played such an important part in Olga’s and our lives. You made life’s joys shine brighter and eased its challenges.
Olga is the beloved wife of the late Elko (1990), loving mother of Bohdan (1959), Patricia Caldwell (Charles), Eugene and Roxanna; beloved baba/grandmother of Alexander, Nicholas, and late Patrick (1996); dear sister to Sr. Jean Zemliak, Morris Zemliak (2012) (Freda), Sr. Muriel Zemliak, Phyllis Kwiatkowski (Father Edward), and Nestor Zemliak (Alice); caring aunt to many nieces and nephews.
The family will welcome visitors at the SMITH-LeROY FUNERAL HOME, 69 Wellington St. N, Woodstock on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 6 – 8 pm. Panakhyda (Prayer Service) will be said at 7 pm. Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held at St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1045 Rosedale Ave, Sarnia on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 10 am. Interment will follow the mass at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery, Sarnia. Memorial donations can be made to SSMI (Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate) or St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Sarnia. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.smithleroy.com.
“Vichnaya Pamyat. May her memory be eternal.”