Olga Thiessen died Jan. 19, 2012 at 102. She was born July 20, 1909 in Borden, Sask. to John and Martha Klassen. Difficult farming conditions led the family to California in 1921. In 1927, they returned to Mullingar, Sask. Olga was baptized into Rabbit Lake (Sask.) First Mennonite Church Oct. 9, 1928. Olga married Deitrich Thiessen Aug. 23, 1931. Crop failures left them with little to eat. In 1940, they moved to B.C., where Deitrich built houses and worked in the shipyards, and Olga was a housekeeper and catered weddings and funerals. In 1959, Olga’s second-born, David, died in a scuba accident. During Expo ‘86 she opened a bed and breakfast. Olga became a member of Bakerview (MB) Church, Abbotsford, B.C., in 1988. Her favourite verses were Psalm 73:23–24 and Isaiah 26:3–4. When the grandchildren needed advice, she was there to tell stories, sing songs, or just have fun. Committed to teaching God’s love, Olga had a cheerful, hospitable servant heart. When health became an issue for Deitrich and her sisters, Olga cared for them. Olga moved into assisted living at 99. Predeceased by Deitrich, son David, 9 siblings; Olga is mourned by children Harold (Joan), Rosella (John) Balla, Robert (Louise); 5 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren.
