Edna Jean Olson (nee Smith)

Surrounded by family, Edna Olson passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at the age of 88 years. 

Mum was born May 19, 1936 in Riding Mountain, MB, and raised near Kelwood MB. Following high school, Mum set off to Normal School with her cousin Irma. This led to teaching on permit near Minnedosa MB., where she met Dad. They married August 27, 1955 and started their life together in Brandon Manitoba. Mum and Dad moved to the Burnside area west of Portage la Prairie in 1961, with four in tow and three more were added to family. Mum made many friends in the area, and was a valued member of the Burnside Friendship Club. 

Left to mourn her passing are her husband Leonard; children Jim (Rae), Bob (Linda), Dale (Shannon); Shelley (Clark), Darcy, Marlene (Steven) and Cindy (Scott); grandchildren Mandy (Tyler), Jason (Ashley), Kiernan (Stefanie), Erik, Christine, Mark, Michelle, Daniel (Lindsay), Corey (Kelsey), Sara (Dustin), William (Katherine), Samantha (Brendin), Sydney (Nik), Jennifer (Hunter), Ward (Amanda), Nicole (Brendan), Taylar (John), Katie and Matthew; great-grandchildren Jaxon, Nash, Benny, Gage, Weston, Carson, Chloe, Hunter, Nora, Emmie, Hadley, Caylie, Sebastian, Aries, Charlie, Brooks, Casey, Liam and Addie; brother Gordon Smith, sister-in-law Sigrid Pierce (Ed); along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her granddaughter Kenzie; son-in-law Douglas Clowater; parents Austin and Grace Smith; siblings Wilfred (Roberta), Fred, Walter (Gwen), Beulah (Bob), Bea (Rollie), Edythe, Donald, Dave (Grace), Edgar (Joan), parents-in-law Hertha and Jonas Olson. 

Mum made each of us feel like we were her favorite. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family was very important to Mum. 

Heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Lions Prairie Manor over the last 6 years.  

Celebration of life will be held Friday, November 15, 2024 1:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, led by Rev. John Dolloff. The service will be livestreamed, to register and view visit Edna’s obituary page at www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com. A family burial will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. 

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 40 Royal Road North, Portage la Prairie MB R1N 1V1 or Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc, 24 - 9th Street NE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3V4 would be gratefully appreciated.  

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com