Olga Shykora

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our sister Olga on July 24, 2022, in Salmon Arm, B.C.

Olga, sixth child of Mike and Katie Shykora was born in Enderby, B.C. She attended Grindrod Elementary School and graduated from Enderby High School in 1964.

After graduation, Olga worked in Revelstoke and Vernon as a telephone operator. Olga then moved to Calgary and had a long career at the Bank of Montreal. While in Calgary, she purchased a car and travelled regularly from Alberta to B.C. to visit Mom and Dad. Olga loved to travel and explore new places. Once Dad retired, Olga made many road trips to Kelowna, Prince George, Kitimat and Terrace and many other places in B.C. and Alberta with Mom and Dad. Our parents loved and cherished these adventures.

In 1968, Olga and sister Iris did a 3-week bus tour across Canada, the Eastern States, to the Mexican Border as well as California. Olga kept a well-documented diary of this trip. In 1972, Olga and Iris made a trip to Europe, visiting England, Holland, Germany, Italy, and other countries.  

Olga visited Australia, where sister Natalka and her family lived at the time. Being familiar with Okanagan apple orchards, she was amazed at the sight of orange trees.

Olga loved music. She once sang a duet in the Enderby High School talent show. She thoroughly enjoyed attending live performances. Olga and sister Patricia attended Elton John and Paul McCartney live concerts in Alberta, as well as the Roots and Blues Festival in Salmon Arm. 

While working in Calgary, Olga longed for a more peaceful, relaxing life. She always wanted to move back to the Grindrod area. Once retired, in 2013, she purchased a beautiful condominium in Salmon Arm. She did not miss the block heater that kept her car engine from freezing in Calgary!

Olga was a determined, independent, strong-willed person. She went through cancer treatment, determined to beat the illness and she succeeded.

Olga loved her dog Rusty and took him everywhere.

Olga showed a keen, sincere interest in all of her nieces and nephews’ life goals and achievements.

After retirement, she worked as a teacher assistant and playground supervisor at a Calgary elementary school. Olga showed compassion for the underprivileged children in her care. She was firm but caring and kind with her students. 

Pre-deceased by her parents: Mike and Katie; brothers: Paul, Dennis and Willie; sisters: Marion, Iris and Annie. Olga is survived by her sisters: Natalka and Patricia; brother Ben; nephews: Michael, Sheldon and Tyler; nieces: Patricia and Renee and great-niece Olivia Katrina. 

Celebration of Life will be held at the Grindrod Cemetery on July 28, 2023.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: