Obituary of M. Yvonne Olson

OLSON (CHIASSON), M. Yvonne age 79, Shubenacadie, passed away suddenly at home on July 19, 2017. Born in Belle Cote, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Margaret (Arsenault) Chiasson.

Yvonne’s military service with the RCAF began in the fall of 1957 to June 1960, first stationed at RCAF Station Beaverbank.   She started on her path to a teaching career first attending St. Francis Xavier University, she then graduated from Normal College, Truro.  She obtained her first teaching job in Spryfield, then moved west, teaching in Bonnyville and Fort Kent, AB.   She then entered the field of social work, beginning in High Prairie, AB. Yvonne married Roger in August 1966 in the Margaree.   She moved back to Nova Scotia in 1975 and began teaching again, and would continue for the next 22 years.

She was proud of her Cape Breton roots.  As an avid lover of Maritime Music- this led her to involvement of organizing Celtic events which supported many community organizations. She was an active member of the Catholic Church and was the first female president of the Royal Canadian Legion, Br.# 111 Shubenacadie.   She loved to travel and was heavily involved in the 652 Milford Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. She was involved in the PC Association at both the provincial and federal levels.

 Yvonne is survived by her husband, Roger Olson, children, Denise Olson, CFB Borden, Ontario and Marcel (Joann) Olson, Santee, California, USA; sisters, Emma Cecile Chiasson, East Margaree; Isabel (John) MacLellan, Belle Cote; brother, Marcellin (Yvette) Chiasson, Port Hawkesbury. She was predeceased by sister, Florence Evangeline Torres and brother in-law Peter Torres.

Legion memorial service will be held at 6pm followed by visitation until 8pm Sunday July 23 in Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie.  Cremation will follow. 

A funeral mass will be celebrated 11am Monday July 31 in St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, East Margaree, Father MacDonald Ideh officiating.   Interment will be held in St. Michael’s Cemetery, following the service.

Donations in memory of Yvonne may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 111, Shubenacadie, Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron 652, Milford or the St. Bernard’s CWL or a charity of your choice.  Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Yvonne may be shared with the family at: www.ettingerfuneralhome.com  

Yvonne will be remembered for her service to her country and her community, her love of family and extended family, her general willingness to help others, for volunteering for various projects, for advocating on behalf of those whose voice wouldn’t be heard or thought it didn’t matter and her compassion for all.