Olive Marie Huvenaars

On Saturday, March 9th, 2024, our dear mom, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Olive Marie Huvenaars said goodbye to the life she lived on earth and was welcomed to God’s Heavenly Kingdom.

Olive was born in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, a short distance from her hometown of Coderre, where she grew up.  At a young age, Olive moved to Moose Jaw, SK where she met Nicholas Pitts and together, they raised 5 children.  The first to arrive was Clark (Kathy), followed by Rick (deceased 2022, Elaine), Allan (Denise), Carrie (Michael), and Bill (Donna).  

Olive was proud of her children and their accomplishments.  She enjoyed family gatherings and hosted many meals for family friends and relatives.  She loved to cook, and the more people gathered around the table, the happier she was.

When her children started their own families, Olive was a proud grandmother to Natalie (Andrew), Nicholas (Steph), Amie (Curtis), Brad (Ashley), Cassandra (Andrew), Brittany (Mark), Matthew (Jocelyn), Laine (Jeff), and William.  She was also a great-grandmother to 13, her lucky number.

Olive was happiest when she spent time with her family.  A phone call from someone saying they would be stopping by for a visit was a call that made her day.  Her grandchildren remember, in their younger years, many trips to Crescent Park with a picnic lunch in hand.  They would sit on the grass, have some lunch, and then head off to feed the ducks.  Olive always packed extra bread so the grandchildren could feed the ducks.  Seeing the little ones throw bread into the water brought such excitement, not only to the kids, but also to grandma.

In 1999, Nick passed away and Olive was alone for the next 16 years.  During this time, Olive decided to start travelling.  Together with her sister Aline, they took a number of bus trips throughout the USA and Canada.  As luck would have it, while she and Aline were on a bus trip to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, she met Peter and the two of them had an instant connection.  Peter lived in Taber, Alberta and this didn’t seem to stop this new relationship as he drove to Moose Jaw every month for a visit.  With her children’s approval, the two became engaged and were married in 2015.  Moving to Taber at 82 years of age was difficult as Olive had lived in Moose Jaw for over 60 years.

While residing in Taber, Olive and Peter enjoyed their time together for the next 4 years.  They continued with their bus trips and Olive especially enjoyed the trips back to Moose Jaw staying at the spa, always finding time to visit with family and friends.

In 2019, Peter passed away and Olive was widowed for a second time.  The decision to move back to Moose Jaw to be with family was made and Olive took up residence at Points West Living, where she resided for the next 5 years.  She felt she had the perfect suite, spending countless hours on the deck enjoying the view of Wakamow Valley.  She was often seen with an ice cream treat in her hand, enjoying the sunshine.  The last month of Olive’s life was spent at Moose Jaw Special Care Home, where she was well cared for by the staff who attended to her. 

Olive was often seen holding a rosary, she prayed daily.  She was proud of her Catholic Faith and its foundation.  Olive kept many bottles of Holy Water, blessing herself and anyone she thought may need a blessing.

In 2022, her second oldest son Rick passed away from complications after surgery.  Rick’s untimely passing left a hole in her heart that could never be filled.  She said she never wanted to lose a child.  Unfortunately, she experienced the thing she feared most.  She never recovered from her loss but now she is at peace, enjoying his company once again. 

She was predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Germaine of Coderre, SK; and siblings: Diane, Lillian, Oliver, and Aline.  Olive is survived by her brothers, Louis and Richard; and sisters, Bernice and Pauline.

The family would like to thank the staff at Points West Living, Homecare – special thanks to PJ and Darren, and Moose Jaw Special Care Home.  Mom was blessed to have you in her life.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Church of Our lady, 566 Vaughan St, Moose Jaw, SK.  Father Rick Krofchek will be the presiding celebrant and private family interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery.  A Time of Fellowship will follow the mass in the Harvey Room at Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Olive’s name may be made to the Church of Our Lady Building Fund, 566 Vaughan St, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 6L3 or to a charity of one’s choice.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550