Lydia (Hoffman) Olineck

OLINECK - Lydia was born on a farm near Leask, Saskatchewan, the eldest of four children born to Gustave and Maria (nee Urbinsky) Hoffman. The family moved to the Timberland area near Leoville, Saskatchewan where they homesteaded. While living there, Lydia met Peter Olineck, who had begun his teaching career at Timberland School. In 1950, they were the first couple to be married at the Timberland Church.

     Lydia and Peter moved throughout Saskatchewan following his career, which took them to rural areas as well as Viscount, Lanigan, Blaine Lake, Preeceville, Humboldt and Spiritwood. Lydia made sure the moves went smoothly and supported Peter throughout his career. In 1969, while Peter spent a summer upgrading local teachers in the Bahamas, Lydia joined him for “their honeymoon 19 years later”. 

     The trip to the Bahamas sparked their interest in traveling, with tours to Western Europe, USA, Cuba, India and Nepal. In 2000, to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Lydia and Peter went on a Caribbean Cruise.

     Lydia and Peter proudly welcomed daughters Valerie in 1953, Beverly in 1959, Brenda in 1961 and son Kevin in 1964. Lydia actively supported her children’s music and sports activities and their school achievements and career aspirations. Memorable summer family vacations were spent camping with a tent and small trailer throughout the USA and Canada.

     Throughout her life, Lydia was an ardent gardener and loved nothing more than to be outside and tend to her garden and flowers. Even after Lydia and Peter moved to Saskatoon, she still maintained pots and baskets on her balcony.

     Lydia was very involved in church and other volunteer activities. One of her passions was quilting to support Canadian Lutheran World Relief and it is estimated that she sewed quilt tops for over 800 quilts! She was a volunteer coordinator for St. John’s Lutheran Church and served on the district Home Care Board. As an active volunteer with the Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary, she served as president many times.

     Upon retirement Lydia and Peter returned to Preeceville where Lydia continued to volunteer for the church, the tourist booth and Meals on Wheels and spent many hours enjoying activities at Club 60. 

     Lydia was an avid Riders and Blue Jays fan and tried to watch every game. Following curling was almost an obsession and one of her cherished mementos was an autograph from World Champion curler Brad Gushue.

     Another passion for Lydia and Peter was pattern and old-time dancing which they taught for a number of years. Their last teaching session was spring 2014 at Luther Riverside Terrace in Saskatoon, which was their home since June 2013.

     Lydia was predeceased by her parents, Gus and Mary; an infant daughter, Colleen Rose; step-father William Jenks; brother, Lenard; sister, Lillian; and her  husband of 63 years, Peter. She leaves to mourn, daughters, Valerie (Dale) Manton of Candle Lake, Beverly (David) Smith of Regina and Brenda (Tony) DiRezze of Chilliwack, BC; her son, Kevin (Melodie) of Wilsonville, Oregon; as well as four grandsons, Lionel Turgeon, Parker Olineck, Liam Smith and Mark Smith. She is also survived by her brother Larry Hoffman, sister-in-law Nettie Ireland, brother-in-law Arnold (Jeannette) Olineck and numerous nieces and nephews.

     The Funeral Service was held on May 8, 2021 from Trinity United Church in Preeceville, SK with Rev. Miles Russell officiating. Words of Remembrance were offered by Valerie Manton. The interment was held in Preeceville Cemetery with Mark Smith, Liam Smith, Beverly Smith, Lionel Turgeon, Dale Manton and Valerie Manton serving as casket-bearers. Memorial donations may be made to the Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary or to the Preeceville Community Cemetery as gifts of remembrance. Messages of condolence may be left at preecevillefuneralhome.com.