OLIVIA DEAN GRAY

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OLIVIA DEAN GRAY April 19, 1922 - September 1, 2016 Olivia Gray died peacefully at Seven Oaks Hospital, September 1, 2016 with her daughter by her side. Predeceased by her devoted husband of 60 years, Douglas; sister Bernice Krimmer; brother Joe Luty and son-in-law, Tom Norton. Survived by her only child, daughter Jamie Norton of Tucson, AZ; sister Mary Chepesuik of Toronto; cousins, Wally Soloway and Frank Guly; sister-in-law Dell Partyka and numerous nieces and nephews. Olivia was born in Winnipeg and was a lifelong resident. She was a local celebrity in the 1940s and fifties, singing in many night clubs and other venues in and around the city. She was a member of the singing group the Dizzy Dozen and sang with them on radio programs such as Barn Dance and The Ukrainian Hour, which were popular during that era. She also did radio commercials and was a backup singer. She was often a featured artist on CBC musical programs whcih were broadcast nation wide. Olivia was also a 20 year member of the Ukrainian Nightingales and was a member and volunteer of the Holy Family Home, ladies auxiliary for more than 30 years. The family gives their deepest thanks and gratitude to cousins, Wally and Betty Soloway for the tremendous love, help and support they gave Olivia, as well as dear friends, Sandy and Olga Boychuk and to the very kind and caring staff at Seven Oaks Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made in Olivia's name to St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Shrine of Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky or the charity of your choice. Memorial service will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main St. West St. Paul, MB. Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 06, 2016