With deep sadness, but gratitude for a life well-lived, the family of Olga Sereda announces her passing on Thursday, December 21st, 2023, in Moose Jaw, SK at the age of 85 years.
She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Andy; daughter-in-law Monique Sereda; and infant grandson Thomas Hamilton. Olga is survived by her children: Cathy (Kirby) Jabusch of Edmonton, Carolyn (Ian) Hamilton of Regina, Gary (Michelle) Sereda of Saskatoon, and David (Monique) Sereda of Moose Jaw. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren: Brianna (Nidal) Meghawache, Carmen (Cody) Williams, Andrew (Amanda) Hamilton, Rachel Hamilton, Calli Sereda and Keena Sereda; and great-grandchildren: Rafael and Natalie Meghawache, Ella and Leo Williams, and Liam Hamilton. Olga is also survived by brother Dan (Vi) Woloschuk and many extended family members, and was also predeceased by her brother Andy (Terry) Woloschuk, and sisters Julie (Bill) Olesko and Helen (Martyn) Wilson.
Olga was born November 30th, 1938, and grew up in Rosetown and Saskatoon, SK. She excelled academically and earned scholarships that enabled her to become the first in her family to go to university. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan in 1960 and taught public health nursing for several years before marrying Andy and turning her attention to raising children. The family moved from Kerrobert to Tisdale, SK and then to Moose Jaw.
Throughout her life, Olga faced challenges without complaint, demonstrating amazing resilience. Told in her 30’s that a scleroderma diagnosis meant she would have only 10 years to live, she “got on with it” and outlasted the prognosis by 50 years. She downplayed the difficulties posed by the disease and spent much time and energy supporting the Scleroderma Association of Saskatchewan and educating others about the illness, including health professionals and researchers.
Olga found many ways over the years to give back to her community, serving as a Catholic Women’s League president, a school board member and a teacher of English as a second language.
Despite losing her mother at an early age, Olga was a remarkable mother and grandmother. She displayed incredible patience, notably coaching four children through many years of piano lessons. Some of her favourite memories were made during summer trips to Lower Fishing Lake and winter holidays in Hawaii. Her family and friends appreciated her superior baking talents, particularly her proficiency at making bread, pies, and Ukrainian dishes.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at West Park Crossing Retirement Home and Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital for their considerable care and assistance over the past months.
A Mass of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, December 30th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 625-5th Avenue SW, Moose Jaw, SK. Those wishing to make a donation in Olga’s memory may direct it to Scleroderma Canada (41 King William St, Unit 203, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A2) or a charity of their choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
