Olga Bernardelli

The relatives and friends whom Olga (Polisena) Bernardelli left behind clearly remember her as an energetic and giving individual, with a determination that seemed to surpass that of all others.
One would not expect anything less from Olga, given that she was born into a very large family. When mother Polisena would give birth to Michele, her last child, at the age of 48, Olga would be one of fifteen children. It seemed to go without saying that determination was passed on, via mother and father Polisena, to all children.

Consequently, to Olga family meant everything. She couldn’t get enough of it, constantly bathing herself in it at weddings, gatherings, celebrations, through pictures, on the phone, or via Skype. Eventually moving with her husband, Mario, to Vancouver in 1990, to be close to her two sons Michael and Robert and their respective spouses, Olga would continue to remain in contact with her siblings in Montreal, all the while forming new bonds in her new city, Vancouver. And, of course, with an unwavering determination, her new friends would become an important part of her life.

Over the course of her lifetime, Olga would always find the energy to share her joys with all those who loved her. Whether she was preparing a grand supper, decorating her house for the best Christmas ever, or rendering people excited about the things that excited her, all of these and so much more, to be certain, were the gifts she would give to those who entered her space, a space into which all were welcomed. Whether speaking of a three-year old, a teenager, a twenty-year old, or anyone of any age for that matter, Olga gave herself to all of them. She wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. She wanted to touch people by giving to them.

The memory of Olga (Polisena) Bermardelli, presently undiminished in its strength, will indelibly continue to touch those she has touched throughout her life, and we should not be surprised that, via this shared memory, touch those she never knew





Donations can be made in Olga's name to
The Poor Clare Sisters
St. Clare's Monastery
P.O. Box 3370 Mission BC. Canada
V2V 4J5