Eileen Agnes Olson

Eileen Agnes Olson (nee Simonson), age 79 of Saskatoon, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Saturday, January 18^th, 2020.

She was born in North Battleford on July 14, 1940 to the late Simon and Agnes Simonson.

Eileen was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Jack Olson; son, Mervin Olson; two great-granddaughters, Olivia and Logan Anderson; brother, Martin Simonson and two brothers in law, Jack Sabo and Harvey Cowles.

She is survived by her three children, Alvin Olson (Nancy Olson), Laura Olson (Trevor Beckman), and Sheldon Olson (Mandy Adiwal); five grandchildren, Sarah Olson (Gareth Rowland), Caval Olson-Lepage (Alan Lepage), Mitchell Olson, Katrina Rans (Jeremy Rans) and Melissa Olson (Mike Stefanuk); three great grandchildren: Ethan Lepage, Arielle Rans and Charlotte Rans; four siblings, Isabelle Sabo (Jack Sabo), Elizabeth Cowles (Harvey Cowles), David Simonson (Gerri Simonson), and Marilyn Simonson (Gord Dobrowolosky); sister in law, Phillis Simonson (Martin Simonson) and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Eileen married Jack in Prince Albert on June 28^th, 1956 and moved to Saskatoon shortly after where they remained to raise their family. Eileen soon opened a daycare at their house on Avenue L where she quickly became known as Mama ‘Leen to all the neighborhood kids.

When the kids were young, Eileen and her family spent summers at Emma Lake where the Simonson Family cabin was located. Eventually they decided to put in a pool in their backyard instead of going to the lake. Their house quickly became a central hub for everyone, especially Alvin and his family who would bike there in the summer. All were welcome for a visit, a swim in the pool and to grab a “slushie” from the bucket in freezer. Clothing optional for grandkids.

Eventually, as the kids got older Eileen closed the doors to her daycare and began working at Marquis Hall at the University of Saskatchewan for the next 15 years. Eileen was an avid curler and enjoyed curling at the Granite on Friday nights for over 20 years. She was very excited when her great grandson, Ethan took up the sport last year and could be found every weekend at the rink.  Curling wasn’t her only favorite sport, Eileen’s favorite channel was TSN and she never missed a chance to watch her “Roughies” with friends and family.

As the matriarch of the Olson family she instilled in everyone the importance of family.  She never missed the opportunity for a family dinner, especially if it was a backyard bbq, her favorite family event. Later when Mervin and his kids moved back to Saskatoon from Winnipeg, she became a second mom to them as she helped raise them as they settled into their new life. She quickly converted them to be the biggest Rider fans of the family.

Eileen loved gardening and after they sold their house and moved to a condo, she still found ways to have a vegetable garden in her kids or grandkids backyards and every spring she loved to help them buy and plant flowers in their yards.

In retirement Eileen enjoyed yearly trips to British Columbia to visit her two youngest kids, Laura and Sheldon, where she enjoyed escaping Saskatchewan winters, sight seeing, gondola rides and enjoying the west coast weather. Back at home she loved spending time with her family and friends, catching the latest sports game on TSN, and was always available for a lunch date or to go shopping especially if it included her great grandchildren, Ethan, Arielle and Charlotte.

Eileen was deeply loved and will be missed tremendously by all in her life. She will be remembered for her generous heart, quick wit, humour and the best hugs in the world.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a The Alzheimer Society of Canadaor The Canadian Cancer Society.