OLSON - Mrs. Florence Olson widow of the late Lavern Franklin Olson passed away peacefully at the Preeceville Health Centre on Monday, February 27, 2017.

     Florence Mary (Jaques) Olson was born on the family farm in the Ypres District west of Endeavour on April 28, 1928 to David and Mabel Jaques. She attended elementary school at Veterans School near Endeavour and later completed her high school years in the Endeavour School. After completing high school, Florence ventured to Saskatoon where she enrolled in normal school obtaining her permanent first class teachers certificate. With certificate in hand, Florence returned to the North Prairie District and taught there for a year. It was during that year that she met her husband Lavern Olson. She continued to teach at various locations until 1962.

     Florence and Lavern were married at the North Prairie Church on
July 7, 1951 and resided on the family farm along with her in laws for 35 years. Here they operated a mix farm of grain and eggs. Lavern and Florence became well known for their egg business shipping eggs on the train to Flin Flon. In the later years, the eggs were sold locally to stores and customers. People would stop by the farm at any time or any day of the week to purchase eggs.

Through the years Florence and Lavern were blessed with five children; Patricia, Wayne, Perry, Tim and Angela. Florence and Lavern enjoyed the simple things and the outdoors. Camping, fishing, wiener roasts and swimming at Nelson Lake were memorable times for the whole family. There were thrilled when they had enough people to play ball or go for ski-doo rides.

     Florence was an early riser and a very hard worker. She loved to cook, bake and entertain guests. She took pride in a huge garden and beautiful flower beds from which she carefully preserved the fruits of her labours to enjoy for many years.

After Lavern’s death in 1986, Florence moved from the farm into town working with Home Care and later at the Preeceville Hospital in the kitchen. A perfect job for her! She enjoyed the hospital and the people she met there. She retired in 1992.

     Florence loved her church and was involved in many ways. She sang in the choir, served on the Nelson Lake Bible Camp Board, was an active member in the ladies aid, taught Sunday school and led Bible Studies. Her faith was a very big part of her life. She was a very kind hearted soul who cared about everyone. There were often surprise packages sent to students attending LCBI.

She was an avid quilter and could always be located on a Tuesday afternoon at the church quilting often dragging tops and material home to sew together. Some of the quilts she made were sent to Lutheran World Relief and some were sent overseas. Others have been and will continue to be treasured by family and friends.

Grandma enjoyed playing piano for her own personal enjoyment. Knitting was another of her favorite pass times especially the mitten tree and Christmas presents. She loved sports, particularly curling and baseball. She could talk about the Blue Jays for hours but took exceptional pride watching her grandchildren curl and play slow pitch.

    Florence was predeceased by her son Wayne in 1969 and her husband Lavern in 1986. She leaves to mourn her daughter Pat (Clay) Jacobson of Trenton, ON; Perry (Donna) of Regina, Tim (Denise) of Preeceville and Angela (Mark) of Cabri; eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren; her sister Kathleen Walker; two brothers Jack (Jeanette) Jaques and Ronald (Jeanette) Jaques as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

     May she rest in peace.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, March 3, 2017 from St. John Lutheran Church in Preeceville with Rev. Hein Bertram officiating. The organist, Barbara Melsness with members of the St. John Lutheran Church Choir led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, ‘Sing The Wondrous Love’, ‘Peace, Perfect Peace’ and ‘Because He Lives’. Special music was by the Woodland Chorus and Pastor Bertram sang a solo ‘No Night There’. Words of remembrance were given by Krista Jacobson and Tye Olson.  Interment followed in the North Prairie Cemetery with Kara Jacobson, Krista Jacobson, Tye Olson, Kira Olson, Jess Olson and Tim Olson serving as the casketbearers.     

     Memorials in memory of Florence may be made to the Preeceville Hospital Auxillary as gifts of remembrance.

     Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.

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