Lois Marie (Atkinson) Olson

Lois Marie Olson passed into her eternal home on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the age of 93.

Preceding her in death and lovingly mourned were her husband William John Olson (1998), daughter Lydia Marie Mills (2012), son Daniel Edward Olson (2023), brothers Basil Vernon Berton Atkinson (1984) and John “Jackie” Harcourt Atkinson (2016), brother-in-law Carl Edward Olson (2006) and sister-in-law Nellie Jean Muriel Olson (2021).

She is survived by her children: John Vernon (Rosemarie) Olson, Linda Louise Jones (Malcolm), Sylvia Jeannette Olson (Richard), Lois Elaine Beer (Charles), Frances Donelda Olson, Timothy William (Kathryn) Olson, Wendy Elizabeth Olson, and Diane Florence Olson, daughter-in-law Katherine Anne Irene Gray-Olson and son-in-law Kenneth George Carmen Mills. All of her children were truly blessed to have had her as their mother. Each of her surviving 84 grand and great-grandchildren were dearly cherished and loved by their Grandmother.

She is also survived by sisters-in-law Mary Atkinson and Joyce Atkinson; nieces and nephews Carolyn (Peter), Philip (Andrea), Lynnette (Norman), Edward (Leanne), Carol, Patricia and Christine. Loved and cherished by all.

Lois was born March 8, 1931 in Coulter, MB to Vernon Harcourt and Caroline Marie (Mott) Atkinson. When at six years old her mother died, Lois and her two brothers were lovingly cared for by her father, her Aunt Helen, Uncle Jim and other extended family in the area. Lois loved and honoured her father. She enjoyed a happy childhood with her brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends growing up on the farm and attending the one room schoolhouse in Coulter and taking summer holidays in Hartney with relatives. She loved the outdoors. She loved to ride bareback on her horse “Fly”, playing ball and curling. She was a member of the girls softball team the “Coultervale Queens” and into her eighties would carry her ball and glove in the trunk of her car…just in case. When Lois was 19 she accepted Jesus as the one who could save her from sin and death. This relationship with her Saviour was the main influence in how she lived the rest of her life. On March 6, 1953 she married William John Olson of Pierson, MB. With love and devotion she embraced the calling from God on her life as wife and mother, to which she was wholeheartedly faithful. For eight years following her husband’s stroke, Lois lovingly cared for him at home until his passing. She was always eager to welcome family and friends into her home, receiving them graciously and joyfully. Hers was an unwavering trust in God’s faithfulness to provide. She repeatedly witnessed and rejoiced in God’s answers to the many requests for prayer that came to her from family, friends, acquaintances and missionaries around the world. “…the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16 Never a complaint or expression of fear; her God was her strength. She proved Him trustworthy in everything, singing praise to her Saviour as she worked. She would be quick to remind those around her, “ALWAYS remember, NEVER forget that GOD LOVES YOU”.

A service of celebration of her life and gathering to cherish her memory was held at the Pierson Community Hall, Pierson, MB. on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Randy Moffit officiating. Interment followed at the Pierson Cemetery.

If friends desire, donations in memory of Lois can be directed to Turtle Mountain Bible Camp, Box 1198, Boissevain, MB. R0K 0E0.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Lois Marie (Atkinson) Olson, please visit our Tree Store.