It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beautiful mother, Olga Mildred Irvine (née Wurm) in her 95th year. Predeceased by her husband G. Ernest Irvine and a deeply loved mother to Kim Irvine, Lynn Anson-Cartwright (Michael), Jennifer Timmis (Brian E) and Chris Irvine (Trudy). Adored “Ola” to Majella Anson-Cartwright (Marc Foster), Taylor Shaw (Justin), Conor Anson-Cartwright (Emmanuelle), Brian I Timmis (Meghan), Kieran Anson-Cartwright, Mercer Timmis (Flutra Kaçuri), Jamieson Irvine, Jack Irvine and her special tiny sparkles Wren and Otto Shaw, Malcolm Foster, Hailey Anson-Cartwright and Elliot Timmis.
Olga was born October 16, 1929 in Magnetawan, Ontario to Oliver Wurm and Thelma (née Jenkins) Wurm Hurd. She was raised in a hard-working community surrounded with the love and support of extended family. Olga was the eldest of four children, predeceased by her brother Bruce (Karen), Leona Routh (John) and Kasie Brickett (Don). Life was not easy growing up in a small town, but music made it magical. Given the gift of music from her father and with love and encouragement he inspired her to move forward and follow her passion. Olga left home to attend grade 13 in Parry Sound and to further her voice and piano studies. Her ambition and determination continued in Toronto where Olga attended the Royal Conservatory of Music earning the credentials as a school music teacher. It was in Toronto boarding at his parent’s home that she met her future husband, Ern. They married in 1954 and together they were a hard-working driving force. In 1960 they moved from Port Credit to Barrie where Ern bought a small paint and wallpaper business and Olga retired from teaching to raise four children. As the saying goes “Behind every successful man is a strong woman” and our parent’s life was blessed with a flourishing business and growing children. Our mother made our family home and memories magical, especially when celebrating holidays and birthdays, always filled with beautiful décor, culinary delights and extravagant desserts. Outside the home, Mom kept busy performing with the Ross Caldwell Singers, Toastmistress (president of the Barrie Club and Regional Chairman of the First Muskoka Club and Great Lakes Region) and serving on the executive of the Royal Victoria Hospital Auxiliary in Barrie, where for many years she ran the gift shop and information desk. With her experience in Toastmistress and speech writing, this skill set became invaluable in assisting Ern when he became District Governor in Rotary. They were a team and traveled the world together, but their special place was in Naples Florida. There they enjoyed the warmth and love of flowers and colour. Mom spent most of her time there painting, going to the Philharmonic and planning her next season’s fashion. She was an accomplished musician, artist and fashion designer/seamstress. All of these skills have greatly impacted her children and have also passed down to her grandchildren. These artistic gifts she shared with family and friends and all the accompanying memories will bring us comfort in moving forward.
The Irvine family would like to thank the nursing and support staff at Amica Little Lake for their care and compassion. As per Olga’s wishes a private celebration of life will take place. Donations may be made to the RVH Foundation. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com
Mom, we know you are still singing, and we hear you.