It is with broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife, daughter, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend; Olga Paoliello.

Olga left us at the young age of 61 at the Toronto General Hospital with Kayla, Carmen & Syl at her side.

Olga was born in Cochenour in December of 1959, to Maria and Juri Poje. She was the baby of seven and grew up on McKenzie Island. She dedicated her life to being a care giver and helping others, including her various occupations. She loved her job as a Nurses' Aid at the Cochenour Manor & Northwood Lodge and took great pride in working with Indigenous youth at Tikinagan. She loved her small hometown of Red Lake and enjoyed the people. She met the love of her life Carmen, while working at the Balmer and later married in December of 1987. They made a house a home in Cochenour, and she gave birth to a healthy daughter Kayla, whom was her pride and joy. Olga's greatest wish was to be a grandma, and that was fulfilled with the birth of Lyana.

With her big personality, sense of humour, fierce compassion, wit and love for people, anywhere Olga went she had the ability to make a friend & a lasting impact. Olga was dedicated to her family, loved her pets and was unapologetically herself. She loved her friends and would often reminisce about how fun the "good old days were." Her genuine honesty, choice of words and loud, infectious laugh are qualities we will cherish.

Her presence in our lives will be sorely missed. She will live on through us and as Lyana's guardian angel.

She is survived by her mother Maria, husband Carmen of 34 years, daughter Kayla (Sylvain), granddaughter Lyana, brothers Phillip (Lynne) & Bogdan Poje, sister Doreen (Robert) Hird. Along with a large extended family of special nieces and nephews, caring in-laws, and her dear friends.

She is predeceased by her father Juri Poje, and brothers George, Raymond, & Joseph Poje.

When you think of Olga, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile, fleeting and should be lived to the fullest despite the cards you are dealt.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her memory on Sunday, November 28 ^th at 11:00 am to 1:00pm at the Balmer Hotel. Eulogy will be read at 12:00pm.

In Lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Lucky Mutts Dog Club of Red Lake or Caring Hearts Cat Rescue & Sanctuary of Thunder Bay.

I'M FREE

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.

I'm following that path God has laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard him call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day

to laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way;

I have found that peace at close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

ah yes, these things I too shall miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I've savored much,

good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;

don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift your hearts and share with me,

God wanted me now; He has set me free.