LUCILLE OLAFSON (DECAIRE)

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LUCILLE OLAFSON (DECAIRE) Quietly and peacefully Lucille Olafson, 92, passed away February 25, 2018 at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Lu will be lovingly remembered forever by family and friends. She is survived by her sons Ryan of Calgary, Howard (Sandra) of Kenora and Craig of Vancouver; grandchildren Stefan, Scott (Jennie) and Pamela; great-grandchildren Gunnar and Odin (Scott and Jennie), and her sister Anita (Henry) Rasmussen of Kenora. She was predeceased by her husband Leslie, 92, in 2013. Lucille was born May 22, 1925 in Pinewood, Ontario to Leon and Josephine (Bremault) DeCaire. She grew up on the family farm, attended a small one-room country school and finally went to Normal School (Teachers' College) in Winnipeg. She taught grades 3 and 4 in Riverton, MB where she met Leslie Olafson. They were married July 12, 1947 and raised three boys while serving in various capacities in a number of local organizations. Lu was a founding member of the Regional Public Library and a representative on its board for many years. She served as a school board trustee until returning to teaching in 1964 as a resource teacher. Her interests and community activities included curling, Bridge, square dancing, choir, cribbage and a great love of reading. In between all that, she found time to be a hockey mom to one defenseman and two goalies. In 1972 Lu and Les moved to River Heights in Winnipeg where Lu became a Real Estate agent and prepared Income Taxes for local firms. Besides her expertise in Bridge and curling, she became an avid golfer. The city gave her greater access to the arts: theatre, ballet, concerts, the symphony and her greatest love, the opera. Lu and Les travelled to Mexico, Jamaica, Texas and even to Bahrain to visit Howard and his family. She especially treasured a trip to Europe with her sister Yvette. Lu and Les' house on Waterloo, always warm and welcoming, was in turn a B & B, a rest stop and a gathering place for family and friends. After Les passed away, Lu moved to the Waverley Retirement Residence, then to the Rosewood Assisted Living Home, and finally to Deer Lodge. The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful people at Deer Lodge Centre. Mom received excellent medical and personal care while at the facility. Also, a special thank you to Donald and Esther, Leon, Yvonne and girls, and Mark, for regularly visiting Mom, shopping for her and lifting her spirits time and time again. A memorial service and Celebration of Life are planned for July, 2018, date and time will be announced. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 10, 2018