MARLA CLAIRE OLAFSON-KARR

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MARLA CLAIRE OLAFSON-KARR

March 16, 1957 - March 26, 2025

With overwhelming sadness, we announce the sudden passing of our loving wife and mother, Marla, who passed away peacefully while river tubing on the White River in Jamaica.

Marla grew up a few miles from the shores of Lake Winnipeg and loved the water her entire life. Marla was always up for a boat ride and spent many happy days in her youth on Lake Winnipeg on their family boat. It became a challenge for her husband Brent to find a boat ride or two for Marla wherever they travelled. The last ten days of Marla’s life were spent with Brent, on the M.S. Rotterdam. Marla celebrated her birthday on the first day of a 12-day Caribbean cruise that included a portion of the Panama Canal, a sunset catamaran cruise in Aruba and a harbour boat tour in Cartegena Columbia. The day before they started their cruise, Marla and Brent toured the Florida Everglades on an air boat.

Marla was born in Gimli and grew up in Riverton, Manitoba and was the fourth child of Stefan and Dora Olafson (nee Anderson), both predeceased. She leaves behind her husband of 33 years Brent, son Eric, daughter-in-law Brianna, whom Marla absolutely adored, and granddog Ellie.

Marla is also survived by her brother Dan (Beverley), his daughters, Nicolle (Jon), Danielle and Renee (Colin) and grandchildren, Jessica, Jordyn, Josh, Carter, Harley and Olivia. Sister Janice Robidoux (Roger, deceased) sons, Michael and Marc (Renee), sister Colleen (Vern Bryce) and favourite step niece Janelle (John). Marla is also survived by her mother-in-law Madeline (James deceased), brother-in-law Ron and his wife Helen and their son Jonathon. Marla also leaves behind 70 first cousins, all of whom Marla had a special place for in her heart.

Marla loved to drive, from snowmobiles and her brother’s Honda 50, to boats, trucks and Bombardiers, starting at a young age. She worked alongside her parents and siblings at the family business Riverton Transfer, as soon as she could legally drive, hauling countless semi-truck loads on highways and winter roads.

At 20, encouraged by her cousin Pam, Marla moved to Calgary, working first for a transport company, then as a bookkeeper at Sprung Structures. It was there she met Gloria Sakatch. On her first day, knowing no one, Marla asked the receptionist, Gloria, “Can I go for lunch with you?” That simple question sparked a 45-year friendship, lasting even after Marla returned to Manitoba. They visited back and forth for years, becoming part of each other’s families.

Back in Manitoba, Marla worked in the McGavins Bakery office starting in 1982. She met Brent on a blind date in 1991; they married in 1992, and their son, Eric, was born in 1993. She became a devoted stay-at-home mom, instilling her strong values in Eric. When he started school, she joined the parent council. Marla also volunteered for over 1,500 hours with the Winnipeg Police Service community volunteer program.

Later, Marla returned to bookkeeping, eventually starting her own business, Night Owl Bookkeeping, in 2008. She continued to serve limited clients until her passing.

Marla was extremely proud of her Icelandic heritage and a trip to Gimli for Islendingadagurinn to connect with her family, friends and her roots was a must. She had the most beautiful smile and brought joy to those who knew and loved her. Marla was smart, witty and full of fire. She was always kind to people but would set someone straight if they didn’t have their facts straight. Marla could be tough as nails when she needed to be, but she always had a smile for someone. Marla made friends very quickly and made several new friends while at sea, in the 10 days prior to her passing.

Marla will be missed by everyone who knew her and forever loved by Brent, Eric and Brianna and her family. If you are so inclined, please consider a donation to a foodbank or shelter in your community.

Marla’s celebration of life will be held on June 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Selkirk Recreation Complex Hall, located at 180 Easton Drive, Selkirk, Manitoba. Colourful attire is encouraged for Marla’s Celebration of Life.

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 31, 2025