May 11, 1928- May 20, 2008
Forever age 39
Grandma Olga was filled with life and love. She fought with courage the ravages of a sudden massive stroke and finally succumbed, surrounded by her caring family at the Richmond General Hospital where she received wonderful care. As she joins her husband, Lynn Pugsley, who passed away in 100 Mile House on July 29, 2003, she leaves a family whose lives she has touched in so many ways. Olga raised loving children: Karen Taylor (Robert) from Mazatlan, Mexico; Randy Beauchamp (Belinda) from Vancouver, Marla Falconer (Michael) from Richmond, Bill Hutton from Surrey, and Debbie Pugsley (Fred Wohler) from Mission. She has been a cherished grandmother to Blake Falconer and Philip and Emilie Hutton. Adding to her grieving family are her sister, Mary Alexander from Millbrae, California; niece Roberta Alexander from Portland, Oregon; nephew Marty and Ela Alexander from Burlingame, California and their son Adam who will forever remember, ever-so-fondly, his visit to Aunt Olga at Canim Lake. Olga was born in Ramore, Ontario near an Indian Village. She was premature: and the Indian women placed her in an oven to keep her warm. She survived and always seemed to have a special affinity to native Indians, which continued when she found Indian reservations living close to her at Canim Lake. Olga was predeceased by her parents, John and Polly Martyn, who traveled from the gold mines of South Porcupine, Ontario to British Columbia, settling in Vancouver, B.C. in the 1950s. Her brother Mickey died in his teens. Olga and her first husband, Roland Beauchamp, built their home in Richmond after World War II and after Rolly passed away, she enjoyed working at the Richmond Nature Park where she was known as “Mother Nature”. Olga laughed and connected easily with everyone she met, whether they were strangers or lifelong friends. She touched many with her warmth, generosity and joyful zest for life, and she made a point of being beautifully groomed whenever she stepped out of her home. Her love of creative arts and crafts, fishing, hunting, volunteering for worthy causes, cooking fabulous meals, and natural hospitality brought everyone together ... and we will all miss her! A memorial reunion will be held later this summer at Canim Lake.