Obituary of Olga Thelma Blaney

Olga Blaney, in her 85^th year, passed away on Friday, December 19^th, Surrounded by the love and support of her family, Olga’s journey with Alzheimer’s came to a peaceful and dignified end. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to Ukrainian immigrants, Olga was a proud and accomplished first-generation Canadian. Sharing her childhood with parents Roman and Theodosia and older brother Michael, she learned to skate on frozen ponds, worked the till at ‘Lypka’s Roman Confectionary’, excelled in school, and dreamed of becoming a registered nurse. While at Sault Collegiate, she shared the halls and classrooms with the likes of Tony and Phil Esposito, Lou Nanne, Ken Danby and future Governor General of Canada, David Johnston.

After an ill-fated first year at the University of Toronto - too many late nights and starry-eyed boys - Olga enrolled at McMaster University’s School of Nursing. While at McMaster, she met life-long friends and her first husband, Terry Morgan. Married in 1964 and first-time parents by 1966, the young couple built a full and rewarding life with daughters Julie and Paula, and twin boys, Derek and Jeff.

By the early 1980s, life had thrown her a few challenges - both of her parents had passed, and her marriage had come to an end. As a single mom, she joined the local Parents Without Partners (PWP) group and built meaningful and lasting friendships with Betty-Ann Lane, Gail McGoldrick, Ann Selemba and Vicky Oliphant. She also returned to the world of nursing as a City of Hamilton Public Health Department employee. She would go on to enjoy a 20-year career in a wide-range of roles as a Public Health Nurse.

In 1985, Olga married David Blaney.  Affectionately ‘Minnie’ to his ‘Mickey’, they spent decades together enjoying the dramatic twists and turns of ‘The Young and the Restless’, long evening walks, music, travel and their Bruce Peninsula acreage.

In life, Olga was many things. A devoted daughter. A ‘kid sister’ to Michael. A dear friend and confidante.  A loving wife. A committed member of Pioneer Memorial United Church. A kind and generous mother.  A dedicated Caribbean cruiser. A warm and competent colleague. A helpful and supportive neighbour. A joyful and proud ‘Baba’. She was a sub-standard driver, unintentionally hilarious, whipped up a mean egg-salad sandwich, and made friends wherever she went. Often heard remarking “Let’s face it” when discussing a wide array of topics, or “You can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear”, she was a bright, engaging, open-hearted and tender soul who navigated life with quiet strength, grace and class.

Left to celebrate and honour her life are her children—Julie Morgan, Paula Crumbley, Derek Morgan (Natalie), and Jeff Morgan (Shannon). Forever ‘Baba’ to Evan, Kiara, Aidan, William, Reese, Sam and Harrison.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lakeview Retirement Home and Extendicare Hamilton for their exceptional care during the last few years.

A service to remember Olga will be held at Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek, on Saturday, January 3^rd,  2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.  There will be a sharing of stories and memories at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to your local Alzheimer Society would be much appreciated.

Messages of sympathy and condolence may be made at www.donaldvbrown.ca

Vichnaya Pamyat