On Dec. 27, 2022, Olga Cook passed away peacefully in Edmonton, Alta., with family by her side. She was 88.
Olga was born in Grenfell, Sask., second-youngest of 10 children born to Anne and Michael Szouronski. She grew up in Broadview, Sask., a community she considered home long after she left.
Olga was a strong, determined woman who was raised knowing the value of education. She graduated valedictorian but would often joke, “It’s not because I’m smart. I just worked really hard.” In fact, both things were true. Her hard work led to a teaching career that began at the front of a one-room schoolhouse, and she loved to reminisce about her students and time teaching.
It was in Broadview that Olga grew up alongside the love of her life, Jim Cook – or “that darn Jimmy Cook,” as she used to call him in school. Despite all the teasing Jim threw her way (or perhaps because of it) they fell in love and married in 1956. They had two children, Fred and Lisa, and built a beautiful life and home filled with love and laughter. The family spent many wonderful summers camping and creating memories in their Winnebago. Olga had retired from teaching to raise her children but returned to the classroom in the 1980s in Moose Jaw, teaching middle years at St. Agnes. After Jim died in 2000, Olga found comfort and joy in the friendships she made there – especially her coffee friends.
Olga had a special love for her grandson, Raidon Di Monaco, and the two spent hours playing cards and games. Despite his best efforts, Raidon was never once able to beat her at rummy, a fact that delighted Olga to no end.
Olga is survived by her children Fred Cook and Lisa Cook (Giovanni Di Monaco), her grandson Raidon Di Monaco, her sister, Margaret Duperreault (Don), as well as her daughter-in-law Mary Gehl. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, in-laws and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, James Cook, her parents and eight siblings: Harry Szouronski, Mary Szouronski, Catherine Langdahl (Robert), Rosalind Szouronski, Bill Szouronski, Eva Szouronski, John Szouronski (Marion), and Alice Taffe (Richard).
A Funeral Mass will be held on June 2, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Parish, 1064 3 Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK. Father George will preside. Interment will take place at Broadview Cemetery at a later date.
In living memory of Olga, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain - Funeral Director/Cerys Doan – Funeral Director Intern