ROWSE
(nee Sorokopud)
Olga Ann
May 23, 1924 - November 14, 2023
With sadness but with gratitude for a life well lived, the family announces the peaceful passing of Olga Ann Rowse on November 14, 2023 at Drumheller Health Centre Continuing Care at the age of 99+.
Olga was born in Probizhna, Ukraine (formerly part of Poland) on May 23, 1924, the daughter of Anton and Helen Sorokopud. In July 1928, at age 4, Mom travelled with her mother and older brother Joe from Ukraine to Canada via Copenhagen. The family landed in Halifax at Pier 21 and then travelled by train across Canada, landing in Drumheller where they joined her father.
Olga met the love of her life, Jim and they married in 1942. After a short time in Kingston, Ontario, while Dad was stationed with the Army Signal Corp during the War, they returned to Drumheller where they settled to raise a family.
Olga was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, and her son-in-law Mel Olsen. She is survived by her daughters, Elaine (Kelly), Jody (Mel), and Kathy (Lau), six grandchildren, Dennis, Erin, Cheryl, Bryan, Jim, Katelyn and nine (soon to be ten) great-grandchildren Emma, Gavin, Elliana, Ryker, Paxton, Cooper, Sophie, Rhett and Liam.
Olga was well known in Drumheller from her years working at Jimmies, Vickers and Scotia Bank. She was an active member of several community organizations, notably CWL (82 years), Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Hospital Auxiliary, Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels and Passion Play. Olga was a lifelong member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish. In acknowledgement of her community activities, Olga was recognized as Drumheller Citizen of the Year in 2009.
She was an avid sports fan and followed her beloved Flames and Blue Jays as well as her grandsons (and later great-grandsons) watching their hockey games, sitting in numerous cold Alberta arenas, always cheering loudly.
After Dad passed away, Mom moved to The Cottages, Sunshine Lodge, Hillview and finally Drumheller Health Centre Continuing Care. The family is grateful to her numerous caregivers over those years and are especially thankful to Rita, Angie, and Marcel Augey for their loving care.
Prayer Vigil will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 at 7:00 pm at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully accepted to Drumheller Area Health Foundation Continuing Care. 351 – 9 Street NW Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y1
