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Ola Natalie Sage
January 24, 1938 - August 5, 2022
Tribute
Ola Natalie Sage of Chemainus, BC passed away suddenly on August 5, 2022 at the age of 84 years.
Ola was born to the late Harry and Sofia Roman on January 24, 1938 in the town of Tuberose, Saskatchewan. Shortly thereafter, the Romans relocated to Kyle, Saskatchewan where Harry ran the town barber shop and pool hall. Ola had very fond memories of her small town upbringing and fostered a love of music from a very young age. She attended weekly piano lessons in Swift Current and practiced daily on a long sheet of paper that had the piano keys drawn out as the family did not own a piano.
Ola graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in late 1950s and moved to Calgary shortly thereafter to start her career in teaching. It was in Calgary that Ola met the love of her life, Gerald Sage.
Ola and Gerry were married on July 3, 1961 in Kyle, Saskatchewan and the couple relocated to Santa Barbara, California where Ola taught school and Gerry finished his education in his chosen career of photography. Ola and Gerry returned to Calgary in 1964 where Ola embarked on a distinguished career in teaching with the Calgary Catholic School Board and Gerry started his independent business in film.
Ola and Gerry settled in Calgary to raise their family and remained there for the duration of their careers outside of a relocation to Coaldale, Alberta for a few years. There are many fond memories of family vacations to the Oregon coast, the Okanagan and camping trips.
During her teaching career, Ola was the recipient of various awards from the school board. She was an accomplished pianist, taking an active role with school choirs and was a founding member of the Fine Arts Centre that was established by the school board.
Aside from family, music was a huge part of Ola’s life. She was active with many choirs during her lifetime and was an instrumental member of the Calgary Catholic School District Teacher’s Choir, the Bragg Creek Ladies Choir and upon relocation to Chemainus, both the Ladies and Men’s Choirs respectively.
In the early 1980s Ola traveled with the Calgary Catholic School District Teacher’s Choir to Israel where they performed in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
In addition, Ola was very involved with the music at her respective parishes over the years and continued to play for mass until the end of her life.
Ola was a very loving mother and “Baba”. She was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind a legacy of beautiful memories. She truly treasured her relationship with her granddaughters and they cherished spending time at Baba’s for sleepovers to watch “chick flicks”, enjoy good food and each other’s company. She was genuinely interested in every detail of their lives and the girls all had especially strong bonds with her.
Ola was pre-deceased by her husband Gerry and is survived by her daughter Natalie (Michael), son Christopher (Jessica) and her lovely granddaughters, Sophie, Claire and Mia. She is also survived by her sister Patti (Craig), her sister-in law Helen Sage and their respective families.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 10th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church – 9735 Elm Street – Chemainus BC. Following the mass, a celebration of life honouring Ola will be held at the Senior’s Centre – 9824 Willow Street – Chemainus BC.
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre
H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Karen Campbell
Relation: Parent of former students
What an outstanding teacher! Both my children, Paul and Cynthia, were blessed to have Mrs Sage as their teacher at St Vincent de Paul School in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Ola Sage motivated, challenged and brought out the best in her student. School concerts and musical performances produced by Mrs Sage were masterpieces. She is remembered to this day with great fondness and appreciation. Condolences to her family.
From: Delia Stayner
Relation: Student
What an amazing woman Ola Sage was! From the late 1960’s at OLPH church she was always there for us choir girls. I’ll never forget the Christmas Carolling at the Bishops house and the anticipation of hot chocolate, cookies , her 2 beautiful Dogs and her treasured daughter. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your care in making this immigrant girl feel wanted and cherished. God bless.. you’ll never be forgotten ❤️
From: Linda Manwarren
Relation: We worked together in Calgary Catholic School district
I was saddened to read of Ola’s passing in the Calgary paper this morning. We were colleagues and neighbours for several years. We kept in touch through mail and saw each other a few times when I was visiting the island. Her talents as a music teacher are legendary. I remember fondly her kindness, happy disposition, and strength in facing challenges. My condolences to the family; you were always her grounding joy.
From: Jim and Lucy Briggs
Relation: Gerry and Jim were friends from childhood.
Our sympathy at the passing of dear Ola. She was a special lady, gentle and kind. Ola always saw the positive. When asked one time if she ever had difficult classes , she replied that some were better than others. The range was always good, better, best. The heavenly choir has gained a new member.
From: Patti Marrale
Relation: Student
Mrs. Sage was an amazing kind lady. I so looked forward to our choir singing at OLPH Church in Calgary. Christmas pageants were one of my favourites. So happy to have had a visit with Ola when I saw her in Eureka Mt. many years ago. Sending prayers to all her family.
From: Shelley A. Leedahl
Relation: Friend of my mother's
Hello … my mother, Helen Herr (Greer), was a close friend of Ola’s when they were young mothers in Kyle, SK. We were just talking about how we visited Ola in Chemainus a few years ago, and then I found Ola’s obituary online. Very sorry for your loss. She was a lovely and gracious woman. -Shelley Leedahl (Ladysmith, BC and Helen Herr, Watrous, SK).
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
September 10, 2022
Beginning at 11:00am
Location:
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
9735 Elm Street
Chemainus, BC Canada V0R 1K3
9735 Elm Street
Chemainus, BC Canada V0R 1K3
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
September 10, 2022
Beginning at 12:30pm
Location:
Senior's Centre
9824 Willow Street
Chemainus , BC Canada
The Celebration of Life is starting at approximately 12:30pm, following the funeral mass. All are welcome to celebrate and remember Ola’s wonderful life.
9824 Willow Street
Chemainus , BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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