Olga was born on May 21, 1921 to Abram and Anna Funk in Alexandrovka, Siberia in the Soviet Union. Olga passed away Sept. 15, 2004. She was the oldest of five children.
In 1929, they left their home and possessions and fled to Moscow, hoping to leave the terror of the communist regime. After months of waiting there, they were allowed out and on to Germany and then to Canada.
In the fall of 1929, the Funks arrived in the Peace River country in Alberta. They purchased a homestead and began the difficult task of working the land. On August 6, 1938, Olga married Jacob Goertzen. They began their married life together faming near Hythe, Alta. They lived in Ontario for one year and also had a fruit farm in Oliver for a time. However, in 1947 they arrived in Chilliwack; this became their home. Here they began chicken and raspberry farming.
Olga was an exceptional homemaker; her cooking, baking, and preserving kept everyone satisfied. But more important than her great home making skills, was her calming influence and her loving, caring presence in the home. Her quiet faith was exemplified in her life. It was a faith that had been nurtured as a child in her home, a commitment to Christ and baptism in her teens, and by her life long membership in the Mennonite church. She participated in choir, quilting with the church ladies group, and volunteering at the MCC store.
Olga-mom, grandmother, and great grandmother-was predeceased by a brother, Abram, who was 15 years of age, her parents, her youngest sister, Siena (Jean) Koop, and her grand-daughter, Paula Lynn Koop.
She is survived by her husband, Jacob, her children, Mary (Paul) of Jordan, Ont., Peter (Hilda) of Rosedale, Martha (Alex) of Chilliwack, David (Lois) of Penticton, Lydia of Abbotsford, 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, brother, Cornie (Nettie) Funk, sister, Annie (Ben) Schroeder and brother-in-law, Abe Koop.
The family thanks the staff of the Menno Hospital for their care and compassion for the 10 months mom was there. We also thank the many friends and relatives who have supported us with their love and prayers.