Marnie Olshewski passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the age of 44 years. She was born in Kamsack, SK and moved to Calgary in 1988 with her parents and brother. She will be dearly missed by her children, Phineaus and Aurora; mother, Marylou; brother, Devin (Danielle); grandfather, Fritz; nieces and nephew, McKenna, Mila, Joshua, and Julia; and extended family and friends.
Marnie was a strong, determined, capable, independent, woman who danced to the beat of her own drum, and was a loving, devoted mother. She created a unique, eclectic, colourful and inviting home, and she loved her children fiercely and tried every day to instill in them values that would help them flourish as individuals. She would always take time to listen and connect with a friend, give sage council when asked, touched many lives, and maintained solid life-long friendships, some spanning 34+ years. Her smile was contagious, and her full body laugh would light up a room! Marnie had fierce strength. Marnie was an old soul and wise in her approach, sure footed and motivated, clear minded, never hesitated on a decision and gave sound advice. She endured some major hardships, but you could never tell because of her positive outlook on life. She gave of herself, always bringing thoughtful gifts like homemade food or homemade body products and a propagated plant or two. Family was important for Marnie, she always valued her roots, celebrated all the holidays and milestones, enjoyed quality time and maintained strong relationships.
She enjoyed her work life with Workers Compensation Board. She was well suited for the role and found it fulfilling as she was able to use her strengths on a daily basis. She was grateful for the quality of life it offered her as well as the generosity and support she received from her coworkers. She has built strong friendships there and thrived with the challenges that were presented.
Marnie was a homebody and loved cooking and baking homemade sourdough, making kefir, kombucha, kimchi and canning fruits and vegetables. She loved nature and the outdoors, plants, and collecting vintage or second hand treasures. She loved to travel, enjoyed new experiences, and seeing new things. She traveled across Canada, various parts, of the world and lived for a year in Australia. She brought her kids on many adventures that they will carry with them always. She had a passion for camping, and the family enjoyed many outings along with a multitude of day trips and ice cream runs. Keeping active was a source of joy and as a family they covered a lot of ground. Marnie was also a plant mom, she cultivated a green sanctuary and had over 100 Plants that thrived in her care. Freddie was her fur baby and brought much joy to the family, as well as Phineaus’ Fur Baby, Frankie the Bunny.
We will miss hearing her amazing laughter especially the Olshewski cackle, that signature laugh that runs in her family. She lived with joy and positivity and gratitude every step along the way, right up until the end. Her light was strong and bright, she lived life to the fullest. She touched us all deeply and will forever be a strong guiding light in our hearts and minds.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Marnie at Pierson’s Forest Lawn Chapel (4121 – 17 Avenue SE, Calgary) on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
For those that wish to attend the service virtually, please access this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83642372171
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Canadian Cancer society (
https://cancer.ca/en/
) or the ALS Society of Canada (
https://donate.als.ca/page/113087/donate/1
).