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One of the most loving and beloved persons to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on September 10th with family around her in the Northumberland Hills Hospital palliative care unit, just a few days shy of her 88th birthday. Born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan on September 20th 1931 to Stanley and Ethel, Leila was the third of four children (Keith, Helen, Leila, Muriel). She was raised with a strong Saskatchewan work ethic and independent spirit. She graduated in 1953 from Saskatoon City Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a nurse in Saskatoon and then met and married the handsome Bob Olson, who was pursuing a postgraduate degree in Dairy Science. After he graduated with his Masters degree they moved to Cobourg Ontario where Bob started working with General Foods. It was in Cobourg that their four sons (David, Mark, Kris, Jeff) were born. The family relocated to an acreage near Centreton in 1973. The move to the country was more Bob’s dream than Leila’s - who said when they first visited the acreage that it seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. Nevertheless, they loved the “farm” and had many happy years there. When it was time to give up country living, they moved back into Cobourg to a lovely house on Foote Cres. Leila was a superb Mom to her sons (and their friends) and a wonderfully supportive and devoted wife to Bob. She modeled grace, love and joy to everyone she knew. Later, when immediate family did not live nearby, Leila would say that her friends were also her family, especially her Beta Sigma Phi Sorority sisters, who were such a source of love and fun in Leila’s life. She met and enjoyed so many people in connections in Cobourg through: General Foods, her time working for the Red Cross, attendance at the Grafton and Trinity United Church congregations, neighbours, sorority sisters, her sons’ friends, and later at Landmark. Leila loved beautiful flowers and bright colours and eating ripe tomatoes from her garden. She cared for and showed compassion towards innumerable barn cats and family dogs. She loved to read and play word games and simply enjoy life to the utmost. Leila was predeceased by her husband Bob, brother-in-law George Baxter, brother Keith and sister-in-law Lois Callander, and sister Helen Hans. She will be lovingly remembered forever by sons David (Kim), Mark (Kathy), Kris (Cindy), Jeff (Yuko), daughter-in-love Debbie, and grandchildren, Sarah, Amanda, Lizzie, Bethany, Anya, Kris, Eric, Kate, and Leiland; and great grandchildren, Ethan, Quinn and Jacob. She is survived by her sister Muriel Baxter, many and much loved nieces and nephews, and especially missed by everyone who called her a friend! She was ready to go and is breathing easily in heaven! A celebration of Leila’s life will be held at Trinity United Church Cobourg on Sept 21, 2019 at 2 PM. Donations can be made in memory of Leila to St. Andrew’s United Church Grafton, Trinity United Church Cobourg and Northumberland Hills Hospital.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Sorry about your loss. She was a wonderful person.
Dear Kris & Jeff et al,So sorry to hear about your Mum, I wish that I could express more. Just know that my heartfelt condolences are with you. I know that Leila will be missed by so many in the community, her friends and most of all you, her family. With love and deepest sympathy. Juliet Wilmer
Rest inpeace Leila. Say hello to the ski gang, we all so enjoyedJayne Fisher
So sorry for your loss. She was a great lady. We knew her from Kinsmen and church. Such a giving person. She can now be at peace and be with Bob again. Sandy Upton
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Thoughts are with you. Our family lived in Eddystone, over the hill from yours. We always thought of the Olson family with high regards. Thinking of you.With deepest condolences,Jan Bangs and family
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Trinity United Church
Such a sweet,gracious woman. She will be missed. Sorority Sister from Delta Lambda.
So sorry for your loss. Leila will be remembered fondly by her sorority sisters.
Kris and CindySorry to hear of your Mom's passing.Thinking of you at this timeMary Henderson
We will miss you Leila and the many good times we had with you and Bob. Pat and Dave
Your mother had a wonderful sense of humor and I enjoyed our conversations when visiting my mother at Landmark. Puzzle night was certainly more lively when Leila was there. Very sorry for your loss.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Trinity United Church
Our sympathy to the Olson Family on the passing of Leila. She was a wonderful lady and an inspiration to all who knew her.
Our deepest sympathy to all of the immediate family. The many wonderful times we have shared with your Mother will always be in our fondest memories. She was a delight and shared magnificent warmth and compassion to all she new.Mark a particular thank you for making the effort of calling us and making us aware. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend the service on September 21st, as we will be in Halifax with our son and his family.
Our family had the pleasure of sharing time with your mom at Landmark while visiting our own mum. We had many fun Wednesday's at puzzle night enjoying lots of laughter with some very sharp ladies. Always appreciated her kindness to our mum...........Marli Beer (Stewart)
Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
I first met your Mom when I was visiting my Mom, Alice Stewart at Landmark.What a lovely lady she was & was so kind to our Mother. I would visit on Wednesday & all would gather for puzzle night for some challenging puzzles & more than a few chuckles. Leila had a wonderful sense of humour. So sorry for your loss. She certainly will be missed
Dave and families, please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.Mary Mouse Checkley Ainsworth
Just a word of condolence for your loss. Mrs. Olson was such a nice lady while we grew up on Barbara Street, and things didn't change when I provided Mr. & Mrs. Olson grass and snow care. Our thoughts are with you.Ron & Lynne Caffin
Beautiful tribute. RestIn Peace , sister (Sorority member of BetaBeta chapter)
Leila was a wonderful, loving friend... as was your father... to my Mom and Dad. She will always be remembered for her kindness and her wonderful laugh. My thoughts are with you. She will be missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
I am so sorry to hear about Leila, your mom, and friend to many of us. I was working at the Grafton UC from 2004-2011 and got to know her well. She certainly will be missed.Rev. P. Dietrich