We are broken-hearted to announce the sudden passing of Olga Cvecich (née Butkovich) at West Park Long Term Care, on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. She was 85. Beloved daughter of the late Mike and the late Kate Butkovich. Cherished wife of the late Mario. Loving mother of Angie (Joe), John (Michelle), and Julie (Victor). Dearest Grammy of Joshua (Sophia), Rachel, Natalya, Alex, Michael and Nicole. Much loved sister of Kathy. Predeceased only 5 days earlier on April 7, 2020 by her older sister, Mary Mrse. Sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and friend.

Olga was born in Noranda, Quebec on June 19,1934 during the Depression. She thrived in a loving home, had a close circle of friends and a nurturing school environment in which she excelled. She and her family enjoyed the support and friendship of the small Croatian community in Bourlamaque, PQ where they moved shortly after her birth.

She felt called to become a nurse at a very young age and, following her high school graduation, left home in 1951 at the tender age of 17 to attend St Joseph’s Nursing School in Toronto. She spoke fondly of her training days and formed lifelong bonds with some of her fellow nurses. She graduated 3 years later, married the love of her life, Mario, and began her nursing career at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto, where she worked until her retirement. She was a nurse of the highest calibre, devoted and compassionate. She had a natural ability to connect and to make people feel safe in her care.

She was a devoted wife and mother of three and had a sharp mind and keen love for the English language. She would supervise us while doing our homework, making sure we weren’t trying to take any shortcuts that would in any way compromise the end result. Many nights were spent at the kitchen table working hard on projects or math problems with Mom close by to lend a hand whenever we needed help. She instilled in us a sense of pride in a job well done, and we had no greater cheerleader than our Mom that we had it in us to do our very best. She was tremendously proud of all our achievements.

She was devoted to our Dad, and she was his constant support and champion, most evident when he suffered a massive heart attack and she became his caregiver. She did everything for him, and her heart was truly broken when he died in 1995. She missed him every day of her life but found comfort in her family.

She was the proud Grammy of 6 and attended hockey games, plays and ballet recitals, delighted and proud of each of her beloved grandchildren. She loved baking for all of us - her pound cake and oatmeal raisin cookies were the best. She was a master of the cabbage roll - not only were they delicious but they were meticulously put together - like works of art, evenly sized and expertly rolled! Mom would search for the perfect cabbage for days. It had to be right, and the end result was always delicious.

She loved music and would often sing the songs she loved - whether it was a hymn or or a golden oldie - with a smile on her face and twinkle in her eye. She had a beautiful smile and she loved to laugh. She was good and she was kind.

Mom was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus in 2012, a condition that led to her cognitive and physical decline. In a short period of time, our sharp-minded and able bodied Mom became a different person who struggled to find her words, and was confined to a wheelchair. One thing dementia could not robe her of was her ability to laugh and smile, to enjoy a good meal or snack and to delight in the company of others. She retained her sense of humour, often dissolving into giggles with us when we spent time with her. She remained kind and loving. We will remember her for her courage, her incredible strength and unwavering faith. She was our rock, a devoted Mother and Grandmother. She was proud but so very humble.
We’ll miss hearing that chuckle, seeing her face light up when we walked into the room.

Mom, Grammy, Olga - you will be forever missed.

Matthew 11:28-30 New International Version (NIV)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”


Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only 9 immediate family members were permitted to attend a brief service on April 16, 2020 at Turner & Porter Funeral Home, Queensway Chapel. Officiated by Fr. Jack Costello S.J. Final prayers of committal delivered by Fr. Jack at the gravesite with only one family member allowed to attend, Julie (Cvecich) Melo.

A celebration of her life will be held in the future. Details to follow. If you would like to make a donation to St. Joseph’s in memory of Olga, please click on the donation tab.

Rest in peace dear Mom.