Olga ROMAN

R.N., B.N., M.Sc., Ph.D 1928 – 2024 Olga died peacefully, with grace and dignity on September the 4th. She was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, the daughter of Nicholas and Jenny Roman. She was one of three siblings alongside her brothers, William and Ted Roman, all predeceased. She was a proud aunt to four nieces, two nephews (one predeceased), and is survived by their respective families. She was the most outstanding aunt to three generations, and they were her pride and joy. She relished each occasion, celebration, and achievement of every member of the family, and they enriched her life. Above all, Olga was a dedicated nurse, and nursing became her life's work. She was a pioneer in the development of public health and community care policy, and an activist for social justice in community health. Her dedication, caring, compassion, and sharp focus on issues in health care led her to work in England, Canada, Pakistan, Australia, Uganda, Ukraine and the United States of America. Across continents she developed nursing education and community health services. Having taught at Queens University & The University of Calgary, Olga accepted an invitation from Dean Dr. Dorothy Kergin in 1974 to come to McMaster University, School of Nursing. She became the project director of the McMaster-Aga Khan-CIDA Project, and led a team of colleagues who implemented their plan for nursing education and community care. Dundas was home, where Olga enjoyed the theatre, arts, festivals and dining. She is to be remembered as a kind and generous neighbour, a sharp and clear communicator, and a most supportive colleague. Her friends became her family and they truly cared for her. Nothing gave her more joy than the Niagara fruit season, which prompted Olga's strawberry jam, made with love and given as gifts to all. With thanks to Dr. M Levy and Dr. A Emili for continuity of her care. Thanks to St. Joseph's Hospital Hamilton and Bayshore Healthcare for excellent service and exceptional nursing care. She will be remembered in prayers at St. Paul's Westdale Anglican Church. Olga will be laid to rest in the Roman family plot in Kirkland Lake, Ontario.