Ollie Pretlac

1914 - 2017

November 25, 1914 –
March 2, 2017

A Christian Celebration of Life for our dear Mother, will be held Monday, May 29, 2017 at St. Luke's Anglican Church, Cameron & McKenzie, Thunder Bay, Ontario at 11 am. Rev. Canon George Porter officiating, preceded with visitation at 10:30. Reception to follow. Interment at Mountainview Cemetery. Olga Pretlac affectionately known as Ollie by her family and friends, in her 103rd year, gently passed away at Hogarth Riverview Manor March 2, 2017.

Parents Sam and Nellie Timophy. Ollie was born in Souris, Manitoba. She was the 4th child and last surviving of 9 children: Reginald, Stella, Mona, Jay, Alex, Sylvia, Frances, Stephen. The family home was on Wiley Street, Fort William. She attended St. Peter's and St. Stanislaus schools and married John Pretlac (Pretulac) on February 18, 1933. They celebrated 67 years together before Dad passed. They raised 3 children, Richard, Ronald and Nancy. Mom's true vocation was providing love, sacrifices, in a secure stable home for her children. She was very proud of their accomplishments. Fortitude and perfectionism characterized everything she did. Her hands were always busy. She never put off until tomorrow what she could do today, and said "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well". This included her personal grooming--red lipstick, hair, beautifully manicured hands, and high heeled shoes. Cleanliness was her passion. She was a skilled seamstress. Her culinary skills were phenomenal. She could make a delicious meal out of nothing. Her baking and bonbons were fought over. She taught her family how to make the best Ukrainian food. There was always room at the table for one more. Mom and Dad seemed to know life is better when you share it. Stan Korol (Trudy) and their children, Cathie and Debbie became a part of the family by choice. Lasting friendships developed through work and social activities: bowling, dancing, parties, card games, movies, shopping, the neighbourhood, and diligently attending and supporting the activities of their kids. Mom had a beautiful smile and a gay sounding laugh. She loved to flirt and have fun. She enjoyed fine things, from setting the table, decorating her home, to wearing beautiful clothes. Mom worked in retail for a while and probably was the first greeter in Fort William, at Walker's front door in her favorite department - jewelry, where her charming personality shone. When she was a little girl her mother told her someday people would fly, and she did. She visited her sisters and wintered in California with Dad where they continued to foster new friendships. They also went to Hawaii. In 2004 she moved to Hogarth Riverview Manor. She was pleased with its cleanliness. Not sure what the staff thought about her baby doll pajamas. She never complained about anyone or anything. She personified "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". There were times for some when she displayed her independence, but when staff mysteriously left she wanted to know where they were because she missed them. Mom came through many changes with determination, strength, a positive outlook, and a bout with cancer. She enjoyed movies, ballet, figure skating, musical theatre, favorite songs, candies and ice cream. She delighted in the pictures and visits she had with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survived by: Son Richard Pretlac, (Barbara) grandsons Ronald (Karen), Eric (Karen) great granddaughters Amy, Ella; Son Ronald (NancyLou, deceased) granddaughter Terrill (Kevin Smith); Daughter Nancy, (Robert Polhill) grandchildren David, Allan (Christie) great grandsons Brock, Bryant; granddaughter Sharon (Michael Robidoux) great granddaughters Sarah, Hannah. Nieces and nephews. Mother was a long time member of the St. Luke's Altar Guild, caring for the altar linens with great devotion. She was very spiritual, prayerful, and stood firm in waiting for the Lord's coming. She had unwavering faith and taught us how to live and love. Those who wish to honor Ollie Pretlac might consider memorials of their own choosing, St. Joseph's Care Group or Altar Guild St. Luke's Church.

“Well done, good and faithful servant”