Olga Cookson Obituary
Our dear mom, granny, and friend, Olga Cookson, died peacefully at the Red Deer Hospice on June 19th, 2021. Mom was born in Kent, England, in 1926. Her early and teenage years were spent in Yorkshire. "Dolly" grew up in a large extended household: the Howard family of Barnsley. Mom's formative years were much influenced by the Second World War. She had hoped to attend business school, but work was mandated, and all were expected to help in the war effort. Her jobs included working in a paint factory, a shirt factory, and as a night-shift employee at Woolworths. Some evenings, she worked as a dance instructor in her family's dance hall – that was one job she enjoyed! After the war, Olga and her friend Marion headed for the big city: London. Mom worked as a nanny, and then as a clerk at the Friendship Society. Soon she met a young medical student, Sid Cookson. They married, and started a family. The years after the war were not easy. Money was scarce, and food was rationed. The 1950s were a difficult time for doctors in Britain. In 1957, the decision was made to immigrate to Canada. Mom was energetic, optimistic, busy, and made good friends, but, oh, those flat Saskatchewan plains, dirt roads, dust storms and blizzards! One summer, Sid did a locum in Central Alberta, and they both fell in love with the area, moving to Sylvan Lake in 1962. As well as caring for her family, mom had several part-time jobs culminating in working at the Sylvan Lake Library for 20 years, until she was nearly 90! She was the library's "expert" on good British mysteries. Mom never lost her Yorkshire accent, and had a lovely, animated way of speaking. She could (and would) talk to anyone, especially about their cats and dogs. Mom always got up early, got dressed, and was ready to start each day with enthusiasm and purpose. She loved listening to classical music and CBC radio, sitting outside in the sun, the colour blue, and all animals.
Mom/Olga was a loving mother and wife who worked hard, never used sarcasm, rarely got cross, and was always a true lady. Mom enjoyed good health until she was 91, which she probably
attributed to her beloved cats...and chocolate (in moderation). A heartfelt thank you to all of mom's caregivers (including Jo) – words cannot express our gratitude to the amazing, caring staff at the Red Deer Hospice, who made such a difference in mom's final weeks.
Olga was predeceased by her husband Sid Cookson, parents; Charles and Olga Johnson, brother Howard, favourite cousin Rita, and many wonderful friends.
She is survived by her daughters: Jo Cookson and Heather (Rick) Cookson-Hills; grandchildren: Peter, Suzanne, Robin, Claire, Carmen, Pippa, and Molly; great grandchildren: Dylan, Jackson, Josephine, Mary, and Mariposa; one great-great grandson, Aaron; friends Edith, Vi, Kathy the Vet, Janice, David, Jean, Jane, Diane, Eleanor, Esther, Kathy K, John, and Harla; furry felines: Polly and Mintoo.
If you would like to make a charitable donation in Olga's name, please consider Whisker Rescue.
No formal service is planned at this time, though an intimate celebration of Olga's life will take place at a later date (and attendees will be expected to wear blue – never black).
