IRENE DOROTHY OLSON (NEE JORHEIM)
Irene Dorothy Olson departed this world on Friday, June 4 after a short illness. Our Mother, Granny, sister and friend, Irene, died as she lived; quietly and at peace with herself. It was a full and rewarding life of 92 years.
Irene was born near Inwood, Manitoba on the Jorheim family farm and was the eighth child of a family of thirteen children. Irene relished her role as teacher during World War II.
Irene lived in the Interlake area all of her life. When she married, she moved to Sandridge; only a few miles down the highway from her childhood home. Here, she raised her three children and farmed hay and dairy cattle. She then moved to Teulon after her husband’s passing. There, she enjoyed her little yellow house across from the hospital.
She will be remembered as a bright light in the community for all of her volunteer work with the Sandridge Ladies Aide, the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Inwood, and at Goodwin Lodge Personal Care Home. She worked at Goodwin Lodge right up until 2019; over thirty years!
Irene was an optimist and never complained even after her stroke in last August, which left her with some disability. She moved gracefully through life’s challenges. She was tough, she was funny, she was thoughtful, she was generous, and so very kind.
Irene cared about people. She enriched the lives of all who knew her. She always warmly welcomed anyone who walked through her door.
Irene is preceded in death by her loving husband of nearly fifty years, John, and her oldest son David. She will be dearly missed by her children Linda Olson (Andrew Maurakis) and Garry Olson (Charlotte Olson). Also left to mourn her passing are her grandchildren Melanie Mitchell (Derek Klassen) and Kelly Olson (Melanie Athayde) and her great granddaughter Evie, the absolute apple of her eye!
Her memory will be treasured by her three sisters Margy Fox, Alma Olson (Herman) and Violet Barker, and two sisters-in-law Frieda Jorheim and Ingrid Jorheim, and all of her extended family.
Irene spoke fondly of all of the staff at Teulon Hospital who made her stay there so comfortable. They did everything; from styling her hair and taking her outside in the sunshine—which she loved— to setting up the much-needed computer visits with us. Our family is very grateful for the excellent care provided by her caregivers, going above and beyond in the dedication provided to her in her final days.
Those who wish to attend the funeral virtually, can watch it live-streamed on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. (Central Daylight Time) by clicking the Photo & Video tab under Irene's photo near the top, then click Watch Webcast. The service will also be recorded for later viewing. Please share your memories and photos on her Memory Wall.
For those who so desire, donations in her memory can be made to the Teulon Healthcare Foundation Inc.
“Spend time. Be kind and serve one another. Have no regrets. Tomorrow isn’t promised and today is short.” - Autumn Ying