October 2, 1926 – November 10, 2023
In loving memory ~
Ollie was born on October 2nd, 1926 in Smoky Lake, Alberta, the second youngest of twelve children born to Mike and Rose Starchuk and she passed away on November 10th, 2023 in the Vernon Jubilee Hospital at the age of 97 years.
Ollie will be lovingly remembered by her three children, Barbara, Gerry (Stella) and Dennis (Kathryn); six grandchildren, Rhiannon (Germano), Stephanie (Nick), Chris, Mike, Brendon and Meghan; one great-granddaughter, Hannah; and a very large extended family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herb; one son-in-law, Dennis; and all of her siblings.
Ollie grew up on the family farm in Grand Forks, B.C. She moved to Vernon to help her sister Alice with her family where she met Herb on a double date and they were married in 1951. Ollie worked at the packing house, Eaton’s and Mackay’s Drug Store, making many friends through the years. She loved working in her garden and grew a vegetable garden so large she supplied family and friends with all the produce they needed. Ollie canned fruit until the age of 94 when Herb passed away. She walked almost every day, during all seasons, even until three weeks before her passing. In the early days walking was a necessity as she didn’t learn to drive until the age of forty-six.
Ollie was an active member of Trinity United Church for over seventy years. She really lived out her faith, was so happy to serve, had a truly pure heart and was always kind and genuine. People were Ollie’s main focus in life, enjoying everyone she met. She was a happy, positive woman, very independent and focused. She indeed was a wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother and will be missed more than words can express.
Cremation preceded a Celebration of Ollie’s Life which will take place at Bethel Funeral Chapel on Saturday, December 9th, 2023 at 1:30 P.M. with Reverend Robin Jacobson officiating. A Reception will follow in the Bethel Tea Room.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so many send donations in memory of Ollie to the Schubert Centre, 3505-30th Avenue, Vernon, B.C. V1T 2E6 or the B.C. Heart & Stroke Foundation, #4-1551 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9M9.
We, Ollie’s family extend our deepest thanks to the Community Care nurses and care aides, Vernon Jubilee Hospital, Gateby Short Stay and the Vernon Restholm. All of you who cared for Ollie were so incredibly kind and helpful to her and what you did in making the last months of her life so comfortable and meaningful, will never be forgotten.
Funeral arrangements have been made with
BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD.
5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5
250-542-1187