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 Olive Owens Bourque 1928 - 2009 Olive Owens Bourque, of Dawson Creek, BC and former resident of BayTree, AB. Passed away on October 26 at 80 years of age. Olive was born to George and Gladys Andrews on November 10, 1928 in Peace River, AB, where she was the 5th of 9 children. Olive will be remembered for her "cut and dried" personality. She did her best and didn't change from what she thought was right. Olive loved her husband, children and grandkids, and was always doing her very best for them. She was extremely organized and was very hospitable. No one left their home hungry or without a least a cookie or two! Olive, who was named after the nurse that delivered her, grew up in the Judah Hills of Peace River, AB...on the banks of the Smoky River. Olive attended the Smoky School, she would walk with her brothers and sisters to the top of the hill everyday for class. Even at a young age, she was feisty. At 16, when her parents were away and an older brother was left in charge of the farm, he "suggested" that his younger sister could help milk the cows...Olive kicked the milk bucket, told him to milk the cows himself and then instructed him to take her to town. She never returned. Olive then lived in Peace River working for a while cleaning houses, before getting hired on as a Practical Nurse, where she would train and work at different hospitals in the area. First starting in Peace River then she moved to Berwyn, Spirit River and finally Dawson Creek. It was while working as a nurse, that Olive met her dearest friend in life; Linda Tschiedel. Linda and Werner stayed friends with Art and Olive for the remainder of their years. In 1950, Olive met Art Bourque and they later married in 1951. They settled on his family farm in BayTree. They were married for 5 years before starting a family, adopting Sherry and Brett. Olive was a homemaker, she loved to bake. Always having a freezer full of goodies that were ready, for when company came. No one ever left hungry. Everyone was always invited in for cake and cookies, a meal, or even a room for the night if needed. She had a big garden, and always had enough to last throughout the winter. Wednesdays were "Wash Days" and she truly loved the art of washing clothes, hanging them on the line and ironing, she even got quite the reputation as a young girl, as she just loved to iron. While Olive loved to work in the home, she also worked with Art, helping in the fields, driving the grain truck in the fall, or milking cows and doing chores. In their early years, Olive and Art enjoyed curling with neighbors, when the curling rink opened in Bonanza. They also attended many dances at the East Pouce Hall. An involved hockey mom, she went with Brett, as he completed his years in hockey. Driving to early morning practices, sitting in the cold arenas, and cheering him on. She loved to watch him play all through the years, she continued to watch on TV, cheering for the Oilers. In later years, neighbors would take her to watch children play in Savanna. Brett remembers his mom helping to build the granaries, and while hammering, if she got tired using her right arm, she'd switch the hammer to her left and never miss a beat...Sherry remembers her mom's love of berry picking and the time they were picking berries together on the creek bank, when they heard a noise, Olive looked over and said "that's the biggest bear I've ever seen" Sherry went off running and Olive stayed and picked...the kids knew that there was no use trying to get out of it, because she loved to pick berries, and no one was heading home, until the bushes were bare...Melissa remembers Grandma's love for ice cream, she was always ready for an ice cream cone, whether a trip to Dairy Queen while out doing errands, or a stop at the Husky in Pouce Coupe while enjoying a drive. Olive also enjoyed and was famous for her crocheting, quilting, baking, canning, knitting and sewing. She entered many of her handicrafts into the community fairs and won many ribbons and achievement awards. Olive had some health problems after their move from the farm into town. After the passing of Art, she continued to decline; eventually needing to be moved into the Pouce Coupe Care Home. Olive, really enjoyed her time there. Her roommate Lillian, became a sweet friend, and it brought Ollie great joy to teach some of the young workers how to make beds with proper "hospital corners" She had many great days there, and enjoyed many activities and outings. Although, Olive's time was cut short and she left us quickly and unexpectedly...we will remember all the good times, the laughter and joy, and the many things that she taught us. Olive is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughter Sherry Bourque, son Brett (Michelle) Bourque, Grandchildren Aaron (Melissa) McCoy, Amy (Jeremy) Barton, Nicole Bourque as well as Bobbie, Michael, Brandon and Dustin Moore. Her great-grandchildren Brooklyn and Braxton McCoy, Spencer, Noah and Alexander Moore, MacKenna Moore. Her sisters, Marjorie Wurst, Margaret (Irwin) Wahl, Brother Richard Andrews. Sister in laws Ruth Andrews, Carol Andrews, Elise Dechief and brother in law Armand Fortier. She is predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Art Bourque, her brother Tom Andrews, sisters Sue (Jim) Troop, Edith (Jim) Hall, brothers Ron (Nadine) Andrews and Lawrence Andrews. A Memorial Service, officiated by Art Funk, was held for Olive on October 31, 2009 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, BC. Inurnment of Olive and Art’s urn will be held at a later date in the Briar Ridge Cemetery.
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Dawson Creek: (250)
782-2577 Serving Fort St. John |
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