It is with a great sense of loss that we honour the passing of Olive May Girard (nee Sinnott) in the early morning hours of January 24, 2014 at her home in Black Creek.
Olive was born on December 25, 1920 in Pincher Station, Alberta. She attended teacher鈥檚 college and taught in various one room schoolhouses in small Alberta towns before meeting and eventually marrying the love of her life, Joe, on July 28, 1945. After many moves, following Joe as he worked for the R.C.A.F, they eventually settled on a farm they named Appaloosa Acres in Black Creek. Olive loved animals and was happy to work alongside her family running the farm and the trail rides that gave enjoyment to many.
Joe and Olive enjoyed square dancing and travelling in their motorhome. She loved being and working outdoors, especially in the garden and affectionately became known as 鈥渢he rhubarb lady.鈥� She looked forward to her daily bicycle ride and could still be spotted riding her bike around on the farm only a few months prior to her passing. She blessed many with her talent for knitting and crocheting.
Olive was active in her church community. Her faith was a source of great joy and comfort for her throughout her life and gave her great solace, especially in her final days.
Her warm and welcoming personality was treasured by many in her beloved community of Black Creek. Olive was a genuinely kind and loving person who believed in living out her Christian values, blessing many lives in the process. She truly never had a bad word to say about anyone. Family was incredibly important to Olive. A devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she was a true matriarch and she found great joy in the simple moments she spent with her family.
Olive was predeceased by her husband Joe, infant son Donald, son Donovan, brother Ernie and sister Annie. She will be greatly missed by her children Jerry, Mike, Colleen, Rick, Bernadine and Tim and their spouses, her brother John, her eighteen grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A mass in celebration of Olive鈥檚 life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on February 15, 2014 at Christ the King Catholic Parish in Courtenay. B.C. A reception will follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Olive to the B.C. Cancer Foundation or the Comox Valley Hospice Society.