OLAVIA KARIN PELSER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

OLAVIA KARIN PELSER (nee THORSTEINSON) November 17, 1927 - October 25, 2015 Olavia (Oa) passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2015 with family by her side at Misericordia Interim Personal Care. Predeceased by husband Arthur on February 14, 2002 after 51 years of marriage. Lovingly remembered by sons Randy (Leslie), Kerry (Liann) and her grandchildren, Heather Olavia, Laura and Eric and step-granddaughter Lisa (James). Also survived by sister-in-law Anne, nieces, nephews and cousins. Olavia was born on November 17, 1927 in Winnipeg General Hospital and grew up near Husavik, Manitoba. She was the only surviving child of Kari and Gudrun (Runa) Thorsteinson. She grew up on the family homestead Vidarasi with her Amma, parents and uncles. She spoke fondly of growing up on the family farm during the depression with her dog Sport and other animals. As an only child surrounded by adults she was often lonely and looked forward to visits from her closest cousins Olivia, Mary, and Anna. During her early school years Olavia attended Minerva School (a one-room school near Gimli). She graduated from Gimli High School and moved into Winnipeg where she completed the stenography program at Success Business College. She enjoyed her work as a secretary, working at various firms and companies including Eatons, Hughes Owens and later, after having her children, Motor Coach Industries and the Freshwater Institute. She especially enjoyed working at the Freshwater Institute. Mom married dad on a beautiful fall day, October 14, 1950. Mom and dad purchased their home in West Kildonan in 1953 where they raised their two sons Randy and Kerry. With the assistance of Randy and Leslie as well as many home care workers, mom was able to remain in her home until last fall when because of declining health, she moved to personal care. Mom was very proud of her Icelandic heritage and kept it alive for us by compiling a detailed family tree. She took great interest in Icelandic genealogy and enjoyed reading stories and the history of the Icelanders in Manitoba. She was very knowledgeable about the Icelandic history in Manitoba and was always very fond of Gimli and the annual Icelandic Festival Islendingadagurinn. Upon becoming a grandmother she happily became an Amma. Her grandchildren always enjoyed listening to Amma's stories. They enjoyed visiting Amma's house and seeing her cats. Amma loved cats and had numerous cats over the years. Some of the cats were strays who almost seemed to know that if they showed up at Amma's door they would be well cared for. She was particularly fond of her last cat Cindy. Mom was a long-time stamp collector and was proud of her immaculately organized stamp collection. She was honored to be a lifetime member of the Winnipeg Philatelic Society. During her retirement mom took up furniture refinishing and bought a computer for "word processing". She always loved spending time in her yard and in the summer, she spent most of her days outside. She enjoyed hunting for treasures at garage sales. Her favourite finds were older costume jewelry, odd knick knacks, and dolls. She had amassed a large collection of costume jewelry as well as assorted dolls which she happily displayed throughout her home. Mom also enjoyed lawn bowling, and getting together with the neighbour ladies' coffee group. She derived a great deal of satisfaction from helping prepare Christmas hampers during her time at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church and putting together a table for the Christmas tea fundraiser at the Church. In her later years, mom looked forward to receiving daily phone calls from her cousin Anna who was greatly missed when she passed away. In keeping with mm's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. A private family gathering will take place at a later date. Interment at Husavik Cemetery will be at a date to be determined. The family wishes to thank the staff on the 5th Floor Cornish Wing of Misericordia Interim Care for the care they provided to mom. Many thanks go to her neighbours Carlos and Olga who brought mom numerous meals. Thank you to Ken, Joan (with Rebecca) and Thorey as well as all of the other family who visited mom over the last several years in her home, at the hospital, and at Misericordia. Thank you also to mom's life-long friends Dilla and Thelma for their visits. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or other charity that cares for and protects animals. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 07, 2015