Apr 26, 1939 - Nov 22, 2017
Sylvia Elaine Olsen (Nee Kohut) passed away peacefully on November 22nd, 2017 in Victoria, BC at the age of 78 after a lengthy illness.
Sylvia was born in Souris, MB on April 26th, 1939. She was the second of four children born to John and Effie Kohut.
Sylvia is predeceased by her parents, her older brother Ron and her husband Kjell.
She is survived by her sisters Pat Ennis of Calgary AB and Victoria Simmons of Victoria, BC.
She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews in BC, Ontario and Norway.
Sylvia grew up on the family farm near Elgin MB. She attended school in Elgin and was a good student and athlete, especially in curling. After graduation she attended nursing training at Misericordia Hospital in Winnipeg MB. She received the Agnes Wilkie Award for General Proficiency and stayed at the Misericordia after graduation as head nurse on her ward and instructed nursing students.
In the late 1960s she moved to Vancouver where, in 1969, she married Kjell Olsen. After their marriage, Sylvia continued to use her nursing skills while employed by the Red Cross and BC Tel. Sylvia was also a regular volunteer at the Vancouver Police Department Victim Services Unit.
Eventually Kjell and Sylvia retired to the Morgan Creek community in South Surrey BC where they were both active in the community. Sylvia was an especially committed Rotarian and a very active member of the Semiahmoo Rotary Club. She ultimately received an honourary life time membership to thank her for her contributions to the rotary and the community.
Kjell passed away in 1999 and Sylvia eventually moved to White Rock. Her health began to deteriorate in 2012 and over time she required higher levels of care. She moved into the Pacifica Assisted Living facility in White Rock and eventually she moved to Clover Point Care in Victoria where she passed away.
Her family thanks all the professional, caring and compassionate staff at Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock, Pacifica Assisted Living in White Rock and the Clover Point Care facility in Victoria.
A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com
McCall Gardens