Olga Kurczaba

Olga’s friends and family were blessed to have her in their lives for almost 93 years. On Monday, March 20, 2023, as the first day of spring drew to an end, Olga peacefully and graciously left us. Although we mourn her passing, we are held in the warm embrace of the many beautiful memories we have of an exceptional woman with a heart of gold.

Olga was born in Calgary to Peter and Mary Kurczaba on April 27, 1930. For this Sunday child, St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox church was an integral part of life. Having been blessed with a beautiful singing voice and piano skills, she participated in every concert from the age of eight, singing, playing, and reciting. She went on to become a member of the church choir, eventually serving as its musical director. Olga was a tireless volunteer who dedicated many years to the church parish. She held executive positions on several committees, she represented the church on the Calgary branch of the local Council of Women, and she gave her time to many charitable events to support a variety of worthy causes. She was a member of the Altar Guild, the Cultural Center Building Committee, and the Golden Agers.

Olga also dedicated time to many other local organizations outside of the church. She volunteered at the Vernon Fanning Care Centre, the Kiwanis Music Festival, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Easter Seal campaign, and Voice Print, where she read news stories that were broadcast for the visually impaired.

Olga’s dedication to her church and community was surpassed only by her devotion to her family. She provided a warm nurturing home for her three children, to whom she was the most wonderful of mothers, beautiful both inside and out. Her youthful energy was rekindled with the arrival of each grandchild and great-grandchild, all of whom she loved profoundly. Baking, music, games, and laughter were things to expect on a visit to grandma’s house.

Olga was predeceased by her husband, Michael in August 2020. She is survived by her three children: Ron (Susan), Kurczaba, Diane (David) Krochko, and Joan (Eugene) Miles, as well as her sister and kindred soul, Orycia. Also remembering her with love are her grandchildren: Nikki Copeland, Ryan (Laura) Krochko, James (Signe) Kurczaba, Graham Miles, Brendan (Dawn) Krochko, Peter Kurczaba, Ethan Miles, and Taryn (Matthew) Rios, as well as five great-grandchildren, and many dear friends, including those she made in the latter years of her life at the Lodge at Valley Ridge.

We are grateful to the medical staff who supported her in recent months, especially her family doctor, Keith Wycliffe-Jones, and the kind caring staff at the Agape Hospice.

All funeral events will take place at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (404 Meredith Road, NE). A prayer service will be held on Tuesday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m., and a traditional Orthodox funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 29. Following the internment,  a Celebration of her life will be held at the church hall commencing at approximately 12:30 p.m. to offer family and friends the opportunity to say goodbye.

In lieu of flowers, a donation made to St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/13149?v2=true), an organization that supports Ukrainian evacuees, or a charity of your own choice would be something Olga would have appreciated.

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