Skip to content
February 22, 1925 - October 6, 2021
Olly Irvine (previously Sponek, née Richards), born February 22, 1925 in Snohomish, Washington to Seaman Richards and Elmyra Richards Madsen (née Meloy), passed away on October 6, 2021. Predeceased by her parents, brother Seaman Richards, sisters Billie (Ness) Dickenson and Margie Harrison, and just this past June, her husband Roy. Survived by her son Skip Sponek; her daughter Patti Slegg; grand children Pam, Kennan (Todd) John (Fiona), Jennifer, Steven (Lindsay) and Amy (Andrei); step-children, Ralph (Betty-Rae) irvine, Glenn (Janet) Irvine, step-grandchildren Ryan (Linzi), Sean, Melanie (Bryce), and Melissa (Caleb); and numerous great grandchildren.
Olly owned "Olly's Piano and Organ" in Nanaimo for many years, and loved all things musical. She was accomplished at the organ, piano, accordion, ukulele, violin, and viola and entertained her family and friends with music at many holidays and occasions. She also had a great love for painting and many of her paintings are still being enjoyed by friends and family in their homes. She was an avid boater and she and her late husband Roy were members of the Ladysmith Yacht Club with their boat "Key of Sea". She was also, with her first husband John Sponek, a member of the Nanaimo Yacht Club and the Everett Yacht Club with their boat "Patti Marie".
Olly and Roy retired and lived for many years in the Cassidy Mobile Home Park and had many good friends there. The family is very thankful for the help and friendship of their good friend Karen Mullin. The family would also like to thank the staff at Sidney All Care for the excellent care in the last few months of her life. We would also like to thank Pastor Fraser who gave them spiritual guidance and friendship. Olly will be laid to rest near Roy in a place she loved with a memorial and plaque in the Living Reef in Ladysmith Harbour. Donations in lieu of flowers would be greatly appreciated to: Pastor Fraser Coltman, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 394 Shepherd Ave, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R3X1


Secondary Title

Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.