Jeanette Rae (nee Olson) Bezborotko of Theodore, Sk passed away suddenly on Tuesday, April 11, 2017. She had just celebrated her 70th birthday. Jeanette "Rae" Olson was born on February 11, 1947 at the Red Cross Hospital in Beardmore, ON. She was the third child born to Magnus Emil and Elsie "Viola" (nee Johnson) Olson. She spent her youth in Gimli, MB, later attending high school in Manitouwadge, ON. Rae was pursuing her passion for hairdressing before her family moved to British Columbia and she was forced to leave her dream behind. After various moves across the country, from Ontario to British Columbia, Rae settled down in Insinger, SK, single handedly raising her four girls, Beverly, Donna, Shirley and Frances. Rae and Elmer's long life together began when she decided to stay in Saskatchewan, not returning home to British Columbia. Three years later, on July 6, 1974, Rae and Elmer happily married at the Theodore United Church, surrounded by family and friends. From that day forward the two were inseparable, as they celebrated 43 years of love and devotion to one another, cherishing every moment. Rae was a loving, devoted wife, and a mother of four girls. Her greatest pride in life was being a farmer's wife, loving every moment. She had an endless love of nature, always evident in her bountiful garden, flourishing flower beds and abundance of house plants. She happily raised farm animals, including chickens, cattle, horses and even rabbits. Her list of hobbies was varied, she happily accepted the challenge of learning to crochet, sewing, woodworking, lapidary, beadwork and embroidery and was always ready to learn and master a new skill. Rae's greatest passion in life was geneology. She embraced all the new and current technologies, from microfilm to computer programs. Binder after binder, she recorded seven generations, discovering and documenting it all. Through genealogy she also discovered that she was a descendant of the United Empire Loyalists! After the farm was sold in 1993, Elmer and Rae moved to Theodore, SK. Rae sold Avon to friends and neighbors, she worked for Diana May Clay decaling Ukrainian Ceramics. She became interested in Theodore recreational events, cheering on the local hockey team, attending fall suppers, spring teas and going to coffee row. Although she faced some health issues, she was never one to linger on it. Over the years she rose and faced the challenges of adversity and refused to let it define her. Rae was predeceased by her parents, Emil and Viola Olson; her siblings, Leigh Olson, Carol Vieau, Donna (in infancy), Nick and Dora Bezborotko, Mike and Elsie Byski, Allan Bezborotko, Rose Bezborotko; brother-in-law, Ed Magson and great-grandson, Jared Bellegarde. Rae leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory, her beloved husband of 43 years, Elmer Bezborotko; her four daughters, Beverley Hubelit of Melville, SK, Donna and Alvin Allary of Regina, SK, Shirley and George James of Surrey, BC and Frances and Robert Bernhardt of Melville, SK. Baba will be missed by her grandchildren, Bruce and Paula Hamilton, Skyla Cary, Kelly Hamilton, Laura Hamilton and Bobby Pollen, Raechelle Allary and Francis Bellegarde, Tleesha Allary and Devon Schick, Thomas James, Jeremy Bernhardt and Angela Goulet and Zarysa Bernhardt and her great-grandchildren, Adriana Cain-James and Simon Hamilton-Pollen. Rae is also survived by her sister, Joyce Magson of Fort Macleod, AB; sister-in-law, Shelia Olson of Grand Prairie, AB; son-in-law, Richard Hamilton of Hubbard, SK and uncle, Harry Hluchman of Thunder Bay, ON as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Funeral Services were held on Friday, July 14, 2017 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Shelly Morris officiating. Rae's daughter, Frances Bernhardt shared words of tribute and eulogy. The organist, Judy Berg, played the processional music, "In the Garden" and recessional music, "This Little Light of Mine" and also led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Amazing Grace" and "Rock of Ages". The urn bearers were Rae's husband, Elmer Bezborotko and grandson, Bruce Hamilton. A private family cremation committal will follow at a later date. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
