SHASKIN, Olga

OLGA SHASKIN 1933 ~ 2026 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Olga Shaskin on May 15, 2026 at the age of 93 years. Olga was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who will be dearly missed. She leaves behind her children: Igor (Julie) Shaskin, Laura Shaskin, Linda (Steve) Hirlehey, all of Lethbridge. Her beloved grandchildren Andrew (Laura Murphy-Burke) Shaskin, Samantha Hirlehey all from Lethbridge. Evan (Laurel Tester) Shaskin from Calgary and great grandson Tye Shaskin from Lethbridge. She leaves behind nieces and nephews and their families. Olga was predeceased by her husband of 61 years Wesley (Walter), grand-daughter Madison Hirlehey, brother Gregory Zuk, and her brothers-in-law John and Stephen Shaskin and their wives Vera and Helen.
Mom was born January 1, 1933 in Suliszewo, Poland to Pawl and Paraskavia Zuk. Life was good, Mom lived in what was described as a “little America”. Everything would change with a World War, Mom and her family were forced to flee their home in June 1944. They spent the next 5 years at Assembly Center Hellbrunn in Salzburg, Austria. During her time there she studied to be a nurses aide and worked in the medical clinic, which she loved. Shortly after immigration opened to Canada, the journey to her forever home would begin. The family found passage aboard the S.S. Scythia, arriving in Canada through Pier 21 in Halifax on April 12, 1949. At 16 years old, Mom described this as such an uncertain time in her life, new country, and different language.
Once in Canada, Mom assisted her parents that were contracted to work on the beet farms. She was a nanny to a family in Lethbridge. The children helped Mom work on her english. She was then offered a job at a dry cleaners and eventually ended up working as a packing house worker at Catelli Manufacturing. She described Catelli as the best paying job for a young woman.
Mom and Dad met at John and Vera’s wedding January 1952, when they were both in the wedding party. From that moment they would date for three years (Dad wore out two pairs of shoes) eventually marrying on February 25, 1955. They have three children, Igor, Laura and Linda, all growing up and living in Lethbridge. Dad was working six days a week and on the road, Mom stayed home to raise the children and manage the home.
Mom loved to socialize with family and friends. If you were lucky enough to get an invitation to dinner, Mom’s meals never disappointed. She enjoyed the many trips to Hawaii in February with Dad. She loved to barter with the many jewelry merchants in the different markets in Hawaii. She was a tough negotiator but she always made it fun.
Mom loved to sing and she was gifted with a beautiful mezzo-soprano voice. She enjoyed her time directing the choir at church, going to nursing homes and the hospital at Christmas to sing carols. A fond memory is Mom in the kitchen making a meal for her family and singing.
Her devotion to her grandchildren was undeniable. Supporting her grandson’s with their many sporting events and raising her youngest grand-daughter Samantha when her sister Madison was diagnosed with cancer. When Madison had a pass from the Alberta Children’s hospital to come home, her first stop was Baba’s kitchen.
Mom was devoted to her family and never disappointed. Her sense of humor was refreshing and clever. She was loving and strong. She instilled these qualities in her children and grandchildren. We will all miss you Mom and we love you so much. You will live on in our memories and your wonderful recipes.
We would like to express our gratitude to Sharon Penton RN (Resident Manager) and all the lovely staff at Adaptacare-Cedar Creek. Your professionalism and sincere kindness was truly appreciated. Mom referred to many of the staff as her “angels”. Thank you to Dr. Samuel DeWalle for treating Mom with respect and attending to her medical needs.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Nazariz Kobylniak presiding. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.