CHANDLER, Olga (nee Martens) - Olga Chandler (nee Martens) passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 20, 2021 at the age of 102.
Beloved wife of the late Albert (Bert) Chandler, cherished mother of John (Lynn), Carol (Declan), Deb (Paul), and Geoff (Joan), loving Grandmother to David, Adam, Vivian, John Paul, Kristina, Stephen, Stephanie, Geoffrey, Matthew, Allison, and Thomas, and Great Grandmother to Aiken, Lucia, Levi, Liliana, Hannah, Everett, Archer and Arla.
Predeceased by her brother Abe, and sister Helen, Olga will be sadly missed by her sister Erma and her many nieces and nephews.
Olga was born in Rosenthal (Chortitza, Russia) to Mennonite parents, Sarah Guenther and Abram Martens, and emigrated with her family to Saskatoon in the 1927. In her teens the family moved to Toronto where Olga attended Eastern Commerce.
Olga met Bert, who was stationed in Canada with the RAF, on a blind date on New Year’s Eve 1943. After a whirlwind romance they were married six months later in July 1944. In November Bert was transferred back to England and Olga followed a few months later. After the war Olga, Bert and baby John moved to Canada and lived in Toronto where the other three children were born and raised. Olga and Bert were happily married for 76 years before Bert passed last year.
Olga was active in her community volunteering at St Johns Rehab as well as local Red Cross blood donor clinics and fundraising for the Cancer Society. Olga enjoyed many years at Black Creek Pioneer Village working with school children bringing alive Canadian pioneer life. Olga was involved in the life of her church, St Patrick’s Anglican Church, Willowdale where she participated in numerous activities including the Altar Guild, the ACW and, of course, baking for the Sunday morning coffee sessions. Parishioners will remember her meat pies that were a favourite with all.
Olga was a marvelous baker who always had fresh baked goodies on hand. Her Christmas cookies, New Year’s donuts and Easter bread were favourites of the whole family. She passed her recipes on to her children, their spouses and her grandchildren who continue to bake her treats every year.
Olga’s life was guided by her faith in God and her belief in the power of love. Her life was a continuous thank you to God. Olga will be remembered for her wonderful, wise, twinkle in her eye when she smiled.
Arrangements entrusted with Kane-Jerrett funeral home, Thornhill. The funeral service will take place April 26th at St. John’s Anglican Church, Willowdale with interment at York Cemetery, North York.
A memorial service will be held for Olga when it is safe to do so.
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