Enid Olafson
(nee Savary)
Our dear, sweet Enid passed away peacefully in Banff, AB January 11, 2022 surrounded by loved ones.
She is survived by her four children, Richard (Victoria), Francine (Banff), Craig (Calgary), Patricia (Banff), and their families, grandchildren and great grandchildren, one sister, Muriel Crowe (Ontario), and four half siblings, Lauren, Nathan, Marlene, Merrill, and their extended families, all in Nova Scotia. She loved the constant contact they had with her. (Ola, her loving stepmother had previously passed.)
Enid was born on a sunny day in Digby, Nova Scotia into a large family of eleven to Russell James Savary and Aleitha (Winchester). Marrying at a young age brought her out west to settle at a homestead in Saskatchewan and eventually to Banff.
Enid spent her whole life quietly helping others. Although she worked many jobs, she always talked of how much fun it was being a telephone operator in Digby. It was in her later years that she made a profound impact on those who knew her. She provided childcare for many a Banff family and to many single struggling mothers (and fathers) who could not afford childcare. For many during their time spent with 'their Enid' as they called her, from infancy to pre-teen years, they had a loving, fun, adventurous, playful, learning childhood environment. She loved to spoil them. On one return trip from Digby, she packed her suitcase with toys for them all and her sister said “It was as if she was packing a suitcase full of gold.”
As a mother and grandmother, she generously gave love, guidance and support and always wished only the best for everyone.
She remained young at heart and never told her age...and it's not about to be told now...age did not reflect how she felt or how she looked.
Enid enjoyed walking around town and enjoyed talking with everyone. Her house was open to all friends and anyone lucky enough to spend time with her knew she had a great sense of humour. She loved our community and the beauty of her surroundings. A perfect walking town for someone who never drove. She did drive once, many years ago, only to be pulled over by one of our few police officers that we knew -- for driving too slowly! They were both unable to speak from uncontrollable laughter and she was waved on her way.
Despite over five decades living in Banff, Enid always insisted on going home to Digby to be reunited with her father and yearned for her mother Aleitha who she had lost at the age of seven. She will finally be returning home to the Woodlawn Cemetery in Digby, Nova Scotia to rest with her mother and father, surrounded by all her family, close to her cherished memories of growing up on the ocean.
The sweet, compassionate, loving care that Enid received during her stay at St. Martha's Place and from the Banff community was more than anyone could ask for. Her caregivers went above and beyond...thank you. Thank you to Dr. Steve Shigeishi for your wonderful, compassionate care of Enid, she was so lucky to have you.
It's a long journey navigating Alzheimer's. Some may think it's too hard... but there is life, laughter, happiness and enjoyment every step of the way if you are willing to be fully present on their journey.
Due to circumstances, a celebration of life will be held at a suitable date.
Friends wishing to remember Enid are encouraged to make donations, in her memory, to the St. Martha's Place, Bag 1050, Banff, AB T1L 1H7. Donations may be specified to certain items if wished.
