Dec 30, 2017
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Margaret Jane Olszowiec. Margaret was a well loved and respected sister, mother and Elder of the Nisichawayasi Asinskaw Nehethowuk; the Cree people who live on the lands near where the Three Rivers meet in Northern Manitoba.
Margaret departed this earth peacefully to join her late husband, ancestors and her Creator in the spirit world on December 30, 2017 at the age of 70 with her children by her side after a courageous battle with cancer.
Margaret was a survivor of the Portage la Prairie Indian Residential school in Manitoba before carrying on becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse at Red River College. Margaret gave birth to her first son, Jack when she was 21 who was lovingly adopted by the Ainley family in Minneapolis.
She then met and married a young mining engineer from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. David Brian Olszowiec and Margaret had two sons, Christopher and Scott and a daughter Laurelee (Lolly) while they traveled to places like Burnaby, BC; Mulfiria, Zambia and; Leaf Rapids, MB and many places in between. They lived in many beautiful communities and made many friends in places like Bissett, MB, Mine Centre, ONT and Milford, NS.
Margaret retired in 2015 after 40 years of caring for others and moved to Forest Grove with her daughter and family. Shortly thereafter she began her courageous battle with cancer; while she was successful in beating it the first round, unfortunately it returned a year later and she began the fight once again with a strong hope and faith she would beat it again.
Margaret showed strength that only she could ever show against all odds. She prepared her friends and family by assuring them that she was fine and will get better soon as she did not want them to worry. This was her ever loving kind nature.
Margaret is survived by her brothers; Jimmy Spence and Clifford (Flora) Spence; her cousins/best friends Emma (Alec) Gossfeld, Florence (Lorne) Keeper, Izzy (Earl) Duncan and Rose Marie Nevin; her children Jack (Norma) Ainley, Christopher (Joanne) Olszowiec, Scott (Pamela) Olszowiec and Laurelee (Clayton) Bennett; her grandchildren Christopher Jr., Julia, David, Emma, Hannah, Hunter, Chase and John Ainley IV. Many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Margaret was predeceased by her parents Robinson and Dinah (Wood) Spence; husband David Olszowiec; brothers Sandy, Simon, John and Roy; sister Mary; granddaughter Tatyana and great granddaughter Lorraine.
Margaret's family would like to genuinely thank the staff of the 100 Mile House hospital and Fischer place for their love and care of Margaret in her final months.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the Forest Grove Legion No. 261 on January 20, 2017 from 12 to 3 pm. All are welcome.
Donations may be made in Margaret's name to 100 Mile Hospice.