OLGA GERNAT

Olga Gernat (Burak) age 87, passed away unexpectedly on March 7, 2026, at home. Olga was born in Port Arthur, Ontario on September 2, 1938, to Peter and Irene Burak.

In her youth Olga attended St. James School, PACI and achieved her teaching certificate. While she was teaching in Upsala, Ontario, she met the love of her life Lawrence Gernat. They married in 1962 and had three children Peter, Susan and Lorne. Olga ended her teaching career to stay at home with her children. She and Lawrence moved to the country to start a hobby farm. She was part of the "Townline Gang" and Murillo Book Club.

As the children began to get older, she looked for a career that would balance home and work time. Olga started as a salesperson with Coppercraft and soon was promoted to regional manager. Her territory was from Sudbury to Kenora and she had 75 sales staff. She consistently won top awards including international trips and cars. She and Lawrence have fond memories of their travels to Spain, Germany, Hawaii, China, and New Zealand. Olga left Coppercraft and until she retired was a life insurance agent with SunLife. Throughout her career she often sponsored events and was a member of Rotary and the Women's Business Network.

Olga was a person who truly enjoyed connecting with people. She loved to entertain at her home, made everyone feel welcome and had a knack for turning strangers into lifelong friends. At the beginning of every month, she would send out birthday and anniversary cards. Her phone line was often tied up for hours as she caught up with her friends. Olga had a sense of humor and a babushka wearing alter ego who would appear unexpectedly at family gatherings. She loved to play cards and met weekly with her friends to play bridge and canasta.

Her family was most important to her. She was a devoted daughter to her parents, a supportive partner to her husband Lawrence and nonjudgemental mother to her children who offered support and guidance when required. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and made a point of taking them all on a trip when they graduated from grade 8.

Olga was predeceased by her parents Peter and Irene Burak (Perepeluk), brothers Walter and Lawrence, Sister in laws Sue, Irene, Betty and Claire, brothers-in-law Joseph, Andrew, Vincent and John, niece Lynn and nephews Johnny and TJ.

She will be missed by her husband Lawrence, children Peter (Shari), Susan and Lorne (Michelle), grandchildren Jessica (Dan), Dylan (Sierra), Hayden (Chloe), Marcus (Kayley), Brooke (Damian),Tylor (Brittany), Alexandra, and Nicholas, her great grandchildren Carter, Madisyn, Connor, Jayden, Zayden, Mikayla, Mckinley, Logan, Haisley and her many nephews and nieces.

The worst day of my life was the last day of yours Don't remember me with sadness, Don't remember me with tears, Remember all the good times, Shared throughout the years, So please don't be unhappy Just because I am out of sight, Remember that I am with you Every morning, noon and night.
In memory of Olga donations can be made to St. Joseph Care Group.

A Celebration of Life will be published and held at a later date.