(nee Frohlich)
We are sad to announce the peaceful passing of Caroline (Kay) Orlesky (nee Frohlich) on October 24th 2008 at Cascade Lodge in Chilliwack at the age of 86. Her daughter Janis, granddaughter Jamie Champagne and her husband Marty were present by her side when she passed.
Caroline was born in Ashern, Manitoba on February 28 1922; one of 21 children. Nineteen of Caroline’s siblings predeceased her. She is survived by her sister, Birtha Sturdivan, of Chilliwack. Birtha was forever the big sister, always there to help out and lend support.
Caroline was married at age 15 to John Orlesky, July 28th 1939 and they were very happily married for 55 years until the passing of John in 1994.
Caroline will be dearly missed by all who truly knew and cared for her. She had four children son George Orlesky (Leona) of Cold Lake, Alberta, and his children Mark Orlesky (deceased), Robin Orlesky (Shelly) and Stacy Robinson (Darcy). Although Caroline is predeceased by her daughter Carol McLaughlin of Drayton Valley, Alberta, her husband Francis (Mac) and his wife, Shirley, were always close to Caroline and regarded as more than just part of the family. Their children are John McLaughlin (Loreena), Ann-Marie Rexewski (Bruce), and Vicki McLaughlin.
Caroline’s second daughter is Mary-Ann Geffrion (Andy) of Calabogie, Ontario and their daughter, Natalie Geffrion. Caroline’s youngest daughter is Janis Boisvert of Chilliwack, and her daughter Jamie Champagne. Caroline was proud to have 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Caroline was known for two things: her will to survive, and her petite-point. Caroline was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 35 and because of this debilitating condition she took up the hobby of petite-point. She will be known and remembered by many as “the petite-point lady.” Caroline was also diagnosed with heart disease and had a quadruple bypass surgery at the age of 65. She was such a strong lady that she recovered in no time so she could continue her needlework. Caroline was determined to surpass her disabilities, forever pushing herself to do more than what was expected.
A special thanks to the staff and tenants of the Cascade Lodge who knew and cared for Caroline over the past several years.
There will be no service for Caroline, as per her wishes. It was her hope that everyone remembered her in her happier times. Her legacy will live on in her petite-point pictures which will remain family heirlooms. Caroline was excited and pleased to pass her knowledge and talent on to her granddaughter Ann-Marie, who was with Caroline, present at her side, in her last days.
We will all miss this sweet lady. She will be joining her husband John, who she had missed dearly, and with friends and family they will visit and play cards once again.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the MS Society of BC or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
Online condolences can be left at www.mem.com