It is with great sadness that the family of Olga Chernuka, announces her passing on May 13, 2024 at the age of 95 in the Fairview Continuing Care. Olga lived a rich, meaningful life and will be deeply missed by her son Henry (Karen), daughter Nancy, and son Paul; son in-law Dan; grandkids: Jody, John, Braeden, Jenna, Jillian, Pamela, Megan, and Ashley; great-grandkids: Tatianna, Carrie, Rowan, Bodhi, Avery, and Oscar; great great-granddaugther Stevie: sister Pauline; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Olga was predeceased by her husband William; sons: Mike, Richard, and Thomas; daughter Irene; daughter in-law Susan; parents Egancy and Eunice; brothers: Harry, John, Mike, and John; as well as sister Anne.

Olga was born to Eunice and Egancy Duby on August 1, 1928. Life on the farm inspired a profound appreciation of the natural world while fostering the creativity and resiliency that would carry her through life’s inevitable hardships and challenges. She went to school in Prestville and fell in love with learning. Olga was a quick study and her brilliance was recognized by teachers and peers alike. She was often found patiently guiding younger students through their studies in that calm, gentle way she approached most everything in life. While her journey eventually led her away from formal education, her passion for education never ceased and she continued her pursuit of lifelong learning in myriad ways.

Olga married William Chernuka on June 29, 1946 and together they built a beautiful homestead where they would raise their children and tend the land through the years. Olga’s abundant gardens, which grew in number and size alongside her family, were truly impressive and a tremendous source of pride and joy. She also poured a great deal of her time and energy into raising hens and collecting their eggs for local distribution. The fruit, vegetables, and eggs she harvested were an impactful addition to the larger scale farming activities she supported and laid the foundation for many meaningful connections forged within the community. Trips into town to meet with neighbours and customers were always a welcome adventure.

Family meant everything to Olga. Her children were her world and she nurtured them with the same special care and attention she bestowed on her gardens – she gave them roots, the space to grow, and embraced who they became with kindness and steadfast support. She was grateful for those who remained close by and was always excited for visits from anyone whose adventures took them beyond the borders of their homestead. Following William’s passing in 2002, Olga eventually made a big move herself and settled into the Potter Villa in Rycroft where she lived for almost 20 years.

Olga was an expert in the art of noticing. She moved through the world slowly, appreciating the details and nuances that go unnoticed by most. She loved to wander through nature and found just as much joy in the simplicity of a stroll through town to collect her mail. Her favourite place to frequent was the Merry Pioneer Centre where she volunteered often and bonded with neighbours and friends over coffee, card games, and shuffle board.

Her home was decorated with treasures from the past and gifts she held dear. Visitors were always welcome and greeted first by the colourful flowers adorning her porch, followed quickly by the warmth of her smile and the gift of her storytelling. She loved to laugh and enjoyed nothing more than good conversation.

An avid reader, Olga enjoyed exploring the world through the eyes of others. She gave life to her creativity through cross stitch, sewing, and crepe paper creations and kept her mind sharp with competitive games of cribbage where her strategic thinking kept players on their toes. Games were only ever interrupted to enjoy something delicious – she poured her love into her cooking and making sure those around her were well taken care of.

Olga was an invaluable part of the Rycroft community and it was a big part of her. She was incredibly hard working and her generosity of spirit touched many lives. She had a gift for finding the good in everyone and her gentle nature and open mindedness made people feel at ease in her company. Her life was simple in a beautiful way and rich with experiences and connections she cherished deeply. She was a remarkable person and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 2:00pm, at the Rycroft Community Hall (5208 47 Ave.). Preceding Olga Chernuks’s Celebration of Life, family will hold a private interment on Saturday June 22, 2024, at the Greenway Cemetery at 12:30pm.

A Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Olga’s obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations on behalf of Olga Chernuka may be made to the Osteoporosis Canada (osteoporosis.ca), or the Rycroft Merry Pioneer Center (contact Brenda @ 780-864-0174).