In Memory of

Ollie

(Olya)

Sawchuk

(Stodolny)

Obituary for Mrs. Ollie (Olya) Sawchuk (Stodolny)

Ollie (Olya) Sawchuk
May 7, 1937 – June 10, 2022

The family of the late Ollie (Olya) Sawchuk O.M.C, sadly announce her passing on Friday, June 10, 2022 in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Ollie was born on May 7, 1937, to Pauline and William Stodolny in Fort William, where she grew up, was educated and committed to its growth and development. Ollie was involved in many community organizations and events both professionally and in volunteer capacities. She was a consultant with the Ontario Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Recreation. Ollie was a member of the Federal Department of Canadian Heritage Celebrate Canada Committee. She chaired the Ontario Outstanding Seniors’ Awards Committee; the City of Thunder Bay Arts and Heritage Committee; the Community Arts and Heritage Education Project; and the City of Thunder Bay Official Recognition Committee.

Her love of her Ukrainian heritage and its beautiful culture, made her want the younger generation to appreciate and experience it. She and her late husband Michael were instrumental in developing and conducting Ukrainian youth leadership courses in Canada and the US. She was vice president of the Ukrainian National Youth Federation for Western Canada. She taught Ukrainian heritage language classes for both the Lakehead Public and Catholic school boards. She held workshops in the beautiful and intricate art of “the pysanka” (Ukrainian Easter egg) for both young and old, as well as to international exchange students.

Ollie received her Associate Diploma in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Western Ontario Conservatory of Music, and taught piano for a number of years. She was a member of the Lakehead Symphony Orchestra. She was conductor of the Ukrainian Youth Federation Choral Group, the Vesnyanka bandura and choral group; the assistant director and accompanist for the Prosvita Mixed Choir; and the director of the Zahrava choral group.

Ollie was a recipient of many awards, the most important being the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship (O.M.C), which is Ontario’s second highest civilian award and given to those who have made a lasting impact in their communities and province. In addition, Ollie received the Canada Jubilee Medal, the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal, the MC-MCC Volunteer Service Award, and the City of Thunder Bay Achievement Award.

Travel was an important part of Ollie and Michael’s life. She visited many countries on six continents, with many visits to the country of their forefathers, Ukraine.

To cherish her memory are her beloved son Mark and wife Anya, and precious granddaughter Kvitka. Her sister Elizabeth (Emilio) Duran, her brother Bill Stodolny; nieces and nephews Laura Duran, Susanna (Adrian) Plastina, and Everly and Aidan; Julie-Ann (Doug) Vincent, Paul Stodolny and Mason, David (Rebecca) Stodolny, and Lani and Reese, Kerrie (Ryan) deSousa and Ella, Sienna, and Micah; and Anthony Stodolny.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Michael, and her parents William and Pauline Stodolny.

Funeral services for Ollie will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 10:30am in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James Street, with Father Stepan Didur officiating. A private interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens for family members. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 16, 2022 between 6:00 and 8:00pm in the Chapel with Panachyda at 7:30pm.

A special thank you to the staff of the palliative care unit, TBRH. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Thunder Bay Symphony or the charity of choice.

Vichnaya pamiat.