Oliveen Muriel Goranson, late of Weyburn, SK passed away April 16, 2017, at the age of 93 years.

Oliveen was predeceased by her parents: Roy and Evelyn Brown; son Garry; a daughter in infancy; sisters: Elenor and Roy Tollefson, Ruth and Fred Bowen; brothers-in-law: Edward Hala, Werner Blum, Henry DeChief, Carl Goranson, Evan Goranson, Doug Goranson; sisters-in-law: Isabel Goranson, Beatrice and Alan Bell; nephews: Bruce Tollefson, Dwight Hala and Randy Wilson.

Oliveen is survived by her husband of 70 years, Donald Goranson, Weyburn, SK; daughter Donna (Al) Kessler, Moose Jaw, SK and their family: Tyler Johnston (Sandy and her children Brynn, Keeley and Aven), Dustin Johnston; Brian (Bonnie) Goranson, Weyburn, SK and family Marc Goranson, Krista Goranson; sisters: Marjorie DeChief, Thelma Blum; sisters-in-law: Doris Wilson, Gail Goranson, Mary Goranson, Mayvis Goranson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Oliveen Muriel Goranson was  born on December 21, 1923 in Weyburn, SK.  She was the third of five daughters born to Roy and Evelyn Brown. Ollie was raised on a farm 5 miles N.E. of Weyburn.  Her mother Evelyn passed at a young  age so Ollie and her sisters assumed many domestic duties at an early age.  Ollie and her sisters were fondly known as the "Brown Girls." If you argued with one girl you had 4 others to contend with.

Ollie graduated from Weyburn High School and then attended Normal School to be a teacher.  She taught in Rosetown and Killean School near Weyburn.  She later worked as a telephone operator in Weyburn.  In the early 1940s, Ollie and her sister Ruth played for the Weyburn Beaverettes ladies soft ball team.  They were part of a team that played top calibre teams in Saskatchewan.

Ollie married Don Goranson, her long time boyfriend after the war in 1946.  Don has served with the R.C.A.F. in England during WW II.  Don and Ollie farmed south of Weyburn near Ralph.  Ollie helped in all of the farm operation,  as well as tending her garden, growing flowers and preparing the harvest meals.

Don and Ollie had a happy life together supporting their family activities and visiting with the Brown and Goranson families.  Her husband Don became an avid flyer.  Don and Ollie attended Flying Farmer Conventions for many years.  Ollie was crowned Flying Farmer Queen in 1986.  Ollie was also selected by the Royal Canadian Legion as "War Mother" for the 2015 Cenotaph Ceremony. Don and Ollie retired to Weyburn in 1989.  During their retirement years they followed their grandchildren's activities and still helped son Brian at the farm.  They also travelled to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean. Ollie and Don spent 22 winters in Weslaco, Texas.  Ollie spent many hours tending her fruit trees, flowers and visiting neighbors.  Ollie took up golfing while she wintered in Texas.  Ollie and Don moved to a condo on Souris Avenue in 2008.  They have enjoyed their inner city living and their fabulous neighbors.  Ollie passed away6 on Easter Sunday after a short illness at the age of 93 years.

A Visitation was held on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 7:00-8:00pm from RD Family Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, SK.  A Funeral Service was held on Thursday, April 20, 2017 from the Grace United Church, Weyburn, SK with Rev. M. Barnabas officiating.  Interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, SK with lunch following at the Upper Grace Hall, Weyburn, SK.

For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Oliveen may be made to a charity of donors choice.

 Service Information