Olfert, Margaret Anna Christina
Margaret (Marg) Anna Christina Olfert
Margaret (Marg) Anna Christina Olfert passed away peacefully in her Abbotsford, BC home on Saturday, January 23rd, 2021 at the age of 74 years, with her beloved husband Ed at her side.
Marg was born in Assiniboia, SK on May 26th, 1946 to Archie and Elaine Calibaba. Before eight years of age, she was hospitalized often as she battled rheumatic fever and associated complications. At the age of eight, she was placed into the foster care system after her father passed away and her mother was no longer able to care for her. Leslie and Mary Walter of Moose Jaw, SK lovingly welcomed her into their home and family and in time chose to raise her as their daughter on a farm just north of the city.
In school Marg enjoyed playing extra-curricular sports and was very proud that despite her difficulty with school, her hard work resulted in the academic standing necessary to enroll in nurses training.
By God’s design, she met a young man while working in the summer of 1966 at Valley View Centre named Edward and after a brief courtship, they were married on August 19th, 1967. A little over a year later, she set her pursuit of a career aside to focus on her dream of being a full-time wife and mother.
A woman of faith having made the personal decision to accept Jesus as her Lord and Saviour, Marg spent the next thirty years raising four sons and was actively engaged in the life of her family, church and community through opening her home to others and involving herself in endeavours such as President of the Home and School Association, President of the local Christian Women’s Club Chapter, speaker for Christian Women’s Club in Saskatchewan and the U.S., Sunday School Superintendent and volunteer cook at summer camps. She also went back to school to get her cosmetology designation and re-entered the workforce as a hairdresser.
In June 1997, Marg experienced a debilitating stroke, but through grit, determination and courage along with the support of Ed, she was able to recover enough to move home and began the next chapter in her life.
Though her limitations could have killed her spirit, instead Marg chose to carve out a life full of much meaning and joy. The consummate extravert, she welcomed the opportunity to spend time with people in person or by phone and during these times loved to tease, joke and pester. Once she befriended someone she was a loyal friend for life. She often joked that being her friend was a life sentence.
Marg also enjoyed praying for others, working with Ed to meet the needs of others, doing puzzles, shopping, collecting dolls and stuffed animals, cheering for her beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders, enjoying the rain, travelling, and expressing her love and care for others through hugs and envelopes adorned with stickers sealing cards she faithfully sent to recognize occasions throughout the year.
In time Marg began to pray God would take her to her heavenly home so she could escape the constant pain which impacted her quality of life, in order to experience the powerful and imperishable body promised to her in the Bible. Her prayers have been answered and she will be deeply missed by many and we look forward to the day when we will be able to run and dance with her.
She was predeceased by her parents, Leslie and Mary Walter; birth-parents, Archie and Elaine Calibaba; as well as siblings: Alice, Marie, Eleanor, Pearl, Helen, Sid, Art, Cal, Nick and Andrew.
Mourning the loss of a wife, mother and grandmother are: her loving, caring and faithful husband of 53 years, Edward; sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren: Ivan, Kimberley, Everett, Peyton and Amy Olfert of Saskatoon, SK; Vince, Lynette, Alex and Tyler Olfert of Tsawwassen, BC; Chris, Alissa, Leila, Nash, Odin and Finn Olfert of Moose Jaw, SK; Aaron and Trena Olfert of Calgary, AB.
Mourning the loss of a sister are her siblings: Carol (Dennis) Evans of Moose Jaw, SK; Ken (Vicki) Walter of Saskatoon, SK; Barry (Tenny) Walter of Saskatoon, SK, Joan Murray of Leland, North Carolina; Brent (Anita) Walter of Panama; Lillian Sentes of Regina, SK; Debbie Moore of Victoria, BC; and Paul (Muriel) Calibaba of Kamloops, BC.
Also mourning the loss are her in-laws: Lawrence and Agnes Olfert of Drumheller, AB; Eleanor and Ken Schrag of East End, SK; Irwin and Jackie Olfert of Lethbridge, AB; Mike and Betty Olfert of Okotoks, AB; Linda Olfert of Atlanta, Georgia; as well are her numerous nieces and nephews who live across Canada and the United States.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a Memorial Service and Interment will be held in Moose Jaw, SK at a later date and details will be provided at that time.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marg’s name may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Saskatchewan, Box 236, Sedley, SK S0G 4K0.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Ed – Thoughts and prayers for all of you at this time of sorrow. Marg , Carol and myself go back a long way to school at Carmel , staying at each other homes and in later life seeing her in Moose Jaw with her hair dressing etc. Seeing you and her over the years and visiting with you at times. Remember the good times and She will always be with you. She will be at peace now and out of pain.
Thank you for your encouragement. Marg’s passing was seamlessly and peacefully.
God has given me peace and serenity during this time.
My condolences to you Ed and to your family. Marg was an amazing woman and I admired her courage. Everyone in the family will surely miss her – but especially you, Ed. I know God will help you through the days and weeks ahead. Alene Tanner
Thank you for your encouragement. Marg went home to heaven seamlessly and peacefully. God has given me peace and serenity during this time.
Sorry for your loss ED and family.
Thank you for thinking of us. Marg’s passing was peaceful and serene.
God has given me peace and serenity during this time.
Ed, I am so sorry to hear that Marg has passed away. She was such an awesome woman and will be missed by many. I know she was very special to Mom. May the knowledge that she is with the Lord and your memories comfort you.
RIP my dear friend.Ed you have been a wonderful partner to Marg,helping in all her endevors.About 3 years ago she sent me a wonderful photo of the family.Then the next times I phoned or called at the house -No response.I did not know where you moved to.Now this sad news,but no more pain.I understand.
Thank you for your encouragement.
Marg’s passed to heaven at home like she wanted. Her passing was peaceful and serene.
Sorry we lost contact with you. We moved to Abbotsford ,BC two and half years ago.
God has given peace and serenity during this time.
God be with you.
Ed
Ed and family ….Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time of sorrow
an angel came and called marg’s name and took her by her hand,
and said her place was ready in heaven far above.
So sorry to hear of Marg’s passing. She was a very special person.
Ed and family. Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Marg.
My condolences, Ed, to you and your family. Marg was such a special person and I feel honoured to have known her. Blessings to you, Ed, for your love and caring throughout your life together.
My deepest sympathy to you Ed and your family.
Ed..Ernie and I send our prayers and love to you and your family. Marg was a great friend who always had a smile. She was such an example of God’s love to all. So enjoyed our time together through Christian Women’s Club. She will be greatly missed by you, your family and all her
friends.
Dear Ed, Ivan, Vince, Chris and Aaron, You have always been such special friends to us and our family over the years and what a shock to see that Marg has gone to glory. We will all miss her love and joyous character but are so thankful that she is healed and enjoying her eternal life with the “lover of her soul “. We will pray for comfort and peace for you all and will pass this news on to family. Keep in touch!
I am so sorry for you and your family, Vince. Too soon.
We will never forget Marg. We considered her a forever friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ed, and the rest of your family.
Ed. Sincere sympathy on Marg’s passing. A gentle gracious lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Ed and Family, Sorry for the loss of Marg. I served with her on Christian Women’s Club . She was a joy to be around and now she is with her Lord in no more pain. Hang on to the wonderful memories you shared with of her. We will meet again in glory. Take care, God bless.
Our deepest condolences to Ed and family
Ed, Ivan, Vince, Chris, Aaron and families: Shelly and I could not have asked for better across the street neighbours to grow up with with. Your mom was like a second mom to us both. Keep the memories of her close to your heart, as we will. God bless you all. Carla (Pompu) O’Donnell
Ed and Family;
I am so sorry for you loss. We first met in the 80’s when out boys played ball together. Although I have not seem Marj much over the years, whenever I ran across each we enjoyed a good visit..
Love, Hugs and Prayers to you all.
Cheryl Miller
We only knew Marg for a few years, but every time we saw her, her sparkling eyes and genuine smile invited us into her heart with acceptance and love. She will be missed by all. Our blessings, love and prayers are with you and the family.
Ed, I’m so sorry for your loss, thinking of you and your family.
Dear Ed and Family.
I just learned of the passing of Marg. Sincerest condolences on your loss. It was always good to meet you and Marg at family reunions (and funerals).
We are saddened to hear of Margs passing. She was such a kind person and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you now and the days to come.
Ed and family.
sending condolences for your loss. I was a niece to Margaret. Sorry I did not her very well.