MAXWELL, Olga

Olga Maxwell passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024, aged 94, at Place Kensington in Westmount, QC.

A renaissance woman, esteemed for her complementary traits of kind-heartedness, captivating charm, wit and wisdom, Olga, was predeceased by her beloved husband Thomas Maxwell, a marine architect who had a distinguished career with the Royal Canadian Navy. The couple met while attending university in Scotland.

The high-spirited, Scottish-born daughter of Alexander Kozlowski and Grace MacLaren, Olga found herself living in Paris at the outbreak of World War II. Possessed by an insatiable wanderlust, she spent much of the rest of her life exploring the world, sometimes alone, as was the case with an epic solo adventure to Afghanistan in 1955, or with Tom at her side. One of her last trips was a voyage to the icy expanses of Antarctica which provided rich new material for the tales she loved to share with enthralled audiences.

Olga’s life path led her to Expo 67 in Montreal; she was the liaison officer for Eastern bloc Countries. Then it was on to Ottawa, to serve as corresponding secretary for Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau. Later, a relocation to Montreal propelled her into the realm of real estate, where she thrived, earning the title of top agent for consecutive months even as she eased her way into retirement.

With her penchant for fine wine, gourmet cuisine, and spirited political debate, Olga found solace and joy in the couple’s cherished summer home at Bush Island on Nova Scotia’s rugged south shore.

She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and wit that will be dearly missed. In keeping with her wishes, her remains will find their final resting place amidst the rugged beauty of the Nova Scotia coastline.

For those inclined to pay tribute to a life well lived, contributions to the Montreal Irish Monument Park Foundation would be welcomed.

You can leave your condolences here: https://www.kanefetterly.qc.ca/en/obituaries.php?cnd=240043