Olga Hamza

MRS. OLGA HAMZA of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Mr. Wasyl ""Bill"" Hamza, passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at the age of 76 years.

Olga was born in Korbin, Poland on April 7, 1934. She was the youngest among 2 brothers, Mykola (Mike) and Wasyl (Bill) and 1 sister, Anna. She immigrated to Canada in 1949 with the help of her older sister Anna, who signed the paperwork taking parental responsibility for her. During WWII, Olga's family witnessed and survived the atrocities of war. They immigrated and settled in the Stirling area where they were contracted to work the sugar beets. Olga met Bill in Stirling, at the coffee shop where she was employed. They dated for a year and were married September 16, 1950. They settled in Lethbridge, where they raised their 5 children, Julie, Victor, Tony, Gene and Veronica.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchild were very important and special to her. She was lovingly called ""Babi"" by them all. They were her pride and joy. Olga was a devoted, long time member of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church in Lethbridge. She sang a beautiful Alto in the church choir which gave her great pride.

She had an incredible talent for taking thread and making it into a crocheted work of art, whether it be a simple doily or an intricate tablecloth or bedspread.

She will be remembered dearly and greatly missed by all.

*We love you Mom!*

Olga is survived by her daughters Julie (Lorne) Murfitt, Gene (Paul) Hartwick, Veronica (Chris) Malone; sons Victor (Anne), Tony (Ruth); 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, sister Anna (Frank) Bartosek; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Besides her loving husband Wasyl (Bill), Olga was predeceased by her parents Gregory and Maria Szpendyk; brothers Mykola (Mike) and Wasyl (Bill) Szpendyk; as well as her beloved nephew Ted Magierowski.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 7:00PM and 9:00PM, on Sunday, December 5, 2010, at the MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00AM, on Monday, December 6, 2010, at the HOLY TRINITY UKRAINIAN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 643 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta, with the Very Reverend Father Taras Krochak, officiating. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.