Lyla Sigrid Olson

Born March 31, 1911 on McKenzie Street, Fort William to Finnish Immigrants Jacob Sheare and Ida Maria Arpiainen, Lyla Olson passed away January 31, 2004 at age 92. She married John Olson in Ottawa February 11, 1934; he predeceased her October 13, 1958.After John's death, Lyla started working at the cafeteria in Hillcrest High School, retiring as manager in 1976. A lifelong scholar, she studied many languages (being fluent in Finnish, her birth tongue), and subjects as varied as tailoring and Civilization. Her beautiful hooked rugs, woven wall hangings, and paintings attest to her talents in design and her skills as an artist. With her daughter Joan and sister Elsie, she travelled to Finland (she and Elsie had many enjoyable trips to Elderhostels); with daughter Peggy to Expo 67 in Montreal; with daughter Yvonne to New York City; and with daughter Lorna to the Maritimes and Jamaica. From the 1920's through the 1970's, she played piano in dance bands; was accompanist for the Finnish Ladies Choir Oras for many years; and often entertained at seniors' functions and programs at the Finlandia Club. Music was an important part of her life, and she was involved with the Lakehead Symphony Orchestra at its beginning. She also loved to read, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very special to her; also, she enjoyed the visits of her sister Evelyn and family in recent years. She was a long-time member of Trinity United Church. Lyla is survived by daughters Lorna Olson (Bob Walker), Peggy Olson of Saskatoon (presently here), Joan (Peter) Thomas, and Yvonne Kushnier of Kelowna (enroute); grandsons James Weilbrenner of Kakabeka Falls, Theo Prankev of Edmonton, John Thomas (Michelle McGuire), and Jeff Prankev of Saskatoon (enroute); great-grandchildren Tyler, Avery and Aliah; sisters Elsie (Peter) Addrisi of Ocala, Florida and Evelyn Clarkson of Downsview (enroute); and nephews, nieces, cousins and other relatives in Canada, the US, and Finland. Predeceased by her parents, sister Aino, brothers Eino (Jack), Willy, George, Clarence, and Leo. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2004 in the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL 299 Waverley St. at Algoma , officiated by Rev. Randy Boyd of Trinity United Church. Visitation for friends will take place from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 3rd in the Everest Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lyla's memory to the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra Assoc. Inc. , Covenant House, or the charity of choice would be greatly appreciated.Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com"