Sister Olga Louise Barilko was born on April 20, 1923, in Edmonton, Alberta and joined the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph on August 25, 1960.
Olga trained as a teacher and counsellor in Alberta, and served in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Halifax, before entering the Congregation, in 1960. She later earned her PhD in Clinical psychology and worked in many ministries: care of children at Fontbonne children’s home, lecturer at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, and Brescia College, consultant to religious communities, private therapy, and 18 years as unit psychologist at the London Psychiatric Hospital. After retiring from her position at LPH, Olga continued to offer her service in our homes for women in transition, in London and Edmonton, as a lecturer and resource person in Faro, Yukon, and in the Healing Ministry with Indigenous peoples in the diocese of Mackenzie, based in Yellowknife. After leaving the North, Olga volunteered for many years at St. Joseph’s Hospitality Centre, here in London.
Olga will be especially remembered as a strong woman, with a deep well of gentleness, who took a genuine interest in others, whether family, friends, sisters in community, colleagues, staff members or acquaintances. An astute and sensitive counsellor, she provided a listening and compassionate ear, honest and sensitive feedback, wise counsel, and gentle humour. Her deep love for her family made “Auntie O” a beloved matriarch to nieces, nephews, and their children, as they experienced her unfailing interest, deep love and concern throughout the years. Olga once wrote of herself, “One of the greatest gifts of my life has been the wonderful relationships I have enjoyed with my family, my sisters in the community, my students, clients, professional colleagues, and others I have met along the way”.