Ollie Jess

It is with sadness the family of Ollie Jess announces her passing on Wednesday, September 11th, 2013, four days after celebrating her 89th birthday.  Olga “Ollie” Joan Jess was born September 7th, 1924 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Ollie was born to John and Katherine Hryhorash, the second of four children.  She met Henry Jess in post war Winnipeg and the two were married June 16th, 1945.  Ollie and Henry moved to Saskatchewan and took up farming in the Davidson area.  Ollie was kept busy on the farm raising her 5 children and running the household.  She always had a large garden to tend to and was a talented seamstress; often making matching dresses for her daughters.  In addition to her sewing, Ollie could also be found working on knitting and other handicrafts.  After moving from the farm to Davidson, she worked at the nursing home as an Aide and later at the Davidson Hospital in the dietary department.  Ollie was active with the Ladies Auxiliary to the Royal Canadian Legion, The Daughters of Rebekah, the United Church and her community.  She enjoyed her retirement years, keeping busy with tending her flowers, playing bingo with her friends, hunting for bargains at auction sales and garage sales and continuing with her handicrafts making numerous afghans, quilts, moccasins and other crafts that she shared with her family and friends.  Family was Ollie’s pride and joy and she thoroughly enjoyed the special visits and family events that she attended.  She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Jess; her parents, John and Katherine; brother, Steven Hryhorash; sister, Jean Kosheluk; son-in-law, Jim Townsend; grandson, John Burke; and great-granddaughter, Jaryn Harlos.  Ollie is survived by her children: daughter, Doreen (Dan) Smith (Charlene Burke, Dennis Russell and Patrick Russell); daughter, Dolores Townsend (James Townsend, Bonnie McIntyre, Tracy (Gary) McDowell and Connie Townsend); daughter, Patricia (Jim) McPike (Gina (Jeff) Kapty, Johnny Clement, David Clement and Renee (Carmine) Antonucci); daughter, Elaine (Ross) Tucker (Jason Tucker, Carla Tucker and Ryan (Karly) Tucker); and son, David (Cornelia) Jess (Marc Jess, Dorian Jess and Aaron Jess); 37 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Norman (Olga) Hryhorash; brother-in-law, Walter (Stella) Jess; and many nieces and nephews.  The Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, September 15th, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Davidson United Church.  Reverend Diane Eurig will officiate and interment will take place in Davidson Cemetery.  Following the interment service, please join with the family for a time of fellowship and fond remembrance.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in Ollie’s name may be made to the Heartland Health Region c/o Davidson Health Centre, Box 758, Davidson, SK S0G 1A0.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Gary McDowell, Funeral Director. 306-693-4550.