Our mother, left us on March 24, 2024. Her health wasn't what it used to be, but she spent her last years at home, surrounded by an eclectic army of stuffed animals, and her daughters, Alexandra and Natalie (Brian Murphy). She had to say goodbye to her youngest daughter, Kira "Ki-Ki" Olanick, much too soon.

Over the past 18 years, Mai's dedicated PSWs have become like family. Mai considered Mervyn Paragh more than just a support worker; she became a cherished friend, as did Huriah Ibrahim, whom Mai affectionately called Sofia.

Born in Estonia, in 1936, Mai’s life took a dramatic turn when she had to flee to Canada with her mother, Tatjana Dsenit. Her father, Reinhold Dsenit, was already in Canada working as a veterinarian for Canada Packers. Mai embraced Canada with her spirit of adventure and creativity. She finished high school, dipped her toes in modelling, fell in love with fashion and art, and married Maurice K. Olanick. They had children, travelled, and she even ran a toy store, pouring her heart into every endeavour.

Truly beautiful on the inside and out, she made every small moment feel special. We will miss her dearly. Likely, she is now giving fashion tips to angels and meeting up with Ki-Ki, who she said had become a cherub.

In honor of Mai and her boundless love for animals, consider donating to Guardian’s Best Animal Rescue Foundation. Just send it via e-Transfer to admin@guardiansbest.com or through PayPal.Me/guardiansbest. It's a simple way to keep her spirit of kindness alive.

Memorial Visitation will be held at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel (2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto- east of the Jane Subway Station and West of Windermere Avenue) from 3- 7 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024.