OLIVE ROBSON (HENDERSON)

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OLIVE ROBSON (nee HENDERSON) October 24, 1932 - March 8, 2013 Olive, loving and beloved wife of Tom, nurturing and cherished mother of Heather (Randy), Winnifred (Darrell) and Tommy (Susan) passed away peacefully on March 8, 2013 in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Winn and Darrell Briscoe. Olive was born in Dundee, Scotland, on October 24, 1932, to Rose and Stewart Henderson. She received her education and training in Scotland prior to immigrating to Edmonton, Alberta in 1955, where she joined her brothers George and Lawson and their wives Fulvia and May. Although she was a proud and patriotic Canadian, she remained forever a true Scot. Olive met Tom early in 1956 and they were married in November. During the subsequent, fulfilling 56 years, the family moved to the U.K., France, Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba. Frequent moves and upheavals presented challenges that Olive handled with her usual energy and aplomb. They also led to many cherished friendships across the country. Olive's legacy is multi-faceted, but above all was her overriding love of family and unconditional support of friends, which endured to the end. Olive's five grandsons: Adam (Stacey Taylor) and Derek Briscoe, Alexander and Cameron Jung, and Ethan Robson all have their own special memories of their loving, proud Nana. They lit up her life and her boys loved her dearly. Olive always had great, positive energy and capacity to plan, execute and complete projects, big or small. She worked at various roles in her employment outside of the home, last as an accountant with medical services. She was the quintessential homemaker and hostess, a master quilter who created beautiful works of the hand and heart for all her children and grandchildren. She completed several knitted outfits within 24 hours of knowing that she would become a grandmother. She enjoyed Scottish country dancing, playing bridge - very well, gardening, long walks and all the family dogs that have come and gone. She was a student of history and world events, and a wonderful conversationalist who shared empathetic and pragmatic insights with her children and grandchildren. She loved to travel; first with her family, and ultimately with Tom on annual trips to either the U.K. or British Columbia. Olive leaves two sisters, Molly (in England) and Rose (brother-in-law Arnot) (in Scotland); sisters-in-law Hilda and Fulvia (U.K.) and May (Alberta), and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins in both the U.K. and Canada. Olive will be sorely missed by all who knew, loved and admired her. Through word and deed, she taught us to take care of each other, and she gave the gifts and capacity to do so. We are so very grateful to have basked in the light of such an exceptional woman. In an early letter to Tom, Olive's mother referred to her as much loved, and "staunch"; indeed she was. A memorial service for family and friends will be held in June. 204-586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 16, 2013