Olga Mary Szutiak

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother on Sunday, April 26, 2026.  Mom was predeceased by her husband Walter in 1986. 

Mom was born January 20, 1940 to Roman and Mary Bylo.  She was the eldest sibling to Irene, Len and Ron (Cathy).  The family lived in a farm house located near the corner of Leila Avenue and Sinclair Street where the current mall is located.  Their home was a popular stop for neighbours and friends using the 'party phone line.' Chores, long walks to school, fun and some mischief created life long memories. 

In her teens, Mom enjoyed working at the Capitol Theatre selling tickets and ushering.  The benefits included watching movies and having the odd bag of popcorn that offset Mom's compensation of less than a dollar per hour.  She immensely enjoyed meeting prominent people and celebrities such as Johnny Cash and getting dressed in PJ's for the movie premiere of 'The Pajama Game' in 1957.  

Our mother met her soulmate, Walter, at a toboggan party while a member of the Ukrainian Youth Club.  They both fell in love quickly and eventually married in 1960.  Mom pursued her career working at the Royal Bank branch at Main and William.  After a few short years Mom left the bank to start a family.  Four children quickly followed; Bill, Andy, and twins Donna and Dan. Mom and Dad were able to raise a wonderful family with Dad teaching during the days, while Mom rejoined her position with the Royal Bank and worked in the evening at the Royal Bank Data Processing Centre.  She became supervisor of the Reconciliation Department working many late nights along with her team to ensure all accounts balanced properly. She retired after 30 years of service.  

The Szutiak household was always hectic with the four kids involved in many activities, but Mom always found the time to make every lunch and dinner a special family time.  

The family enjoyed a close relationship with the Dudych and Michalchuk families that included cross border trips together to a few northern states, Disney World in Florida and summer weekends at Camp Rusalka north of Gimli.  The 'Three Olga's' would sit, laugh and cook for everyone, enjoying each others company.  Mom also truly enjoyed visiting family relatives in Rosa, Manitoba and attending many Kohut family reunions.  

Our mother was fortunate to travel to many countries that included Australia, United States, United Kingdom and a number of countries in South America.  She also enjoyed her two or three day bus excursions across the border.  

Mom filled her time by volunteering in many capacities.  For over 60 years she devoted herself to St Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada (UCWLC) preparing and serving dinners, pinching perogies, carolling and working coffee klatch after church mass.  Mom thoroughly enjoyed dedicating time at the Kyiv Pavilion during Folklorama.  Mom also served as treasurer of the UCWLC Archeparchy of Winnipeg Executive.  She embraced this role which kept her mind active and sharp prior to her health decline.  

Mom's pride and joy were her three grandchildren, Cassandra, Jaclyn and Jordan. They were all deeply loved by their Baba. She could not talk enough about them to her friends and her brag book of photos was always on hand. Baba's hugs were always comforting, warm and secure.

Mom was a very loving, caring, charitable and strong individual who was extremely proud of her Ukrainian heritage and religion.  She will be deeply missed by all that knew her.  

We wish to thank Dr. Andrea Babick for her utmost compassion and care for our mother.  Heartfelt thanks are also extended to the Doctors and Nurses at St Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit. 

A private family service will be held.  Service recording will be available on Cropo’s website next week. 

Vichnaya Pam'yat / Memory Eternal

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