Olga’s birthday cake with edible flowers
On April 20, 2023, our dining room was set in festive array to celebrate Sister Olga’s 100th birthday. The tables were adorned with white tablecloths and yellow roses. Nearby, on a long table stood an impressive display of congratulatory framed messages from Pope Francis, Governor General Mary Simon, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Being born and raised in Edmonton, the Alberta government agencies also sent official greetings to Sr. Olga.
Special guests included members of Sister’s family from Edmonton and Mississauga. It was beautiful to see Olga engaged in lively conversation with two of her young great- grand nieces. In addition, close friends and our sisters filled the dining room as the party continued throughout the afternoon.
Heartwarming pictures of Sister Olga as well as accompanying documents, indicated the life of love and service that was hers. The photos attested to Sister being a woman of love in action. As a young woman, she was a teacher and loved sports and many other activities. Sometime later, she joined the air force and served on the East Coast. Before entering the Sisters of St. Joseph, in 1959, Olga earned a degree in psychology which later led to a doctorate. This enabled her as a woman of great faith and compassion to pour out her love in varied service throughout her many years in ministry. Included in her postings were teaching and counselling at Brescia College, St. Joseph’s School of Nursing London, Faro Yukon, McKenzie Diocese YK, and healing ministry among Indigenous peoples.
Sister’s final seventeen years of ministry were at London Psych Hospital where she ministered to vulnerable people in need of a healing presence and as Carl Rogers taught, with “unconditional positive regard”. This Sr. Olga did with gentleness, peace, and joy. How wonderful to gather and praise our newest centenarian.
Congratulations, Sister Olga!
-Sister Jean Moylan