Obituary of Olive "Jean" Culham

CULHAM, Olive “Jean” (nee Sandilands)
February 16, 1918 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
January 10, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Olive “Jean” Culham, caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother peacefully passed on Monday, January 10, 2022 at the age of 103, one month short of her 104th birthday.

Jean (Nanny), was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to James and Agnes Sandilands on February 16, 1918. She grew up in the small rural community of Kenaston and took the extraordinary path to pursue two university degrees at a time (1930s) when post-secondary education was not common. She married Ivan Culham also of Kenaston.

Jean was intelligent and a wonderful role model, encouraging those around her to “always do the best you can.”  She was an avid reader who loved dogs, knitting, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, chocolate cake, California sunshine and, particularly in recent years, her teddy bears. She was proud of her family and found much happiness in the times they were able to share together. While she leaves behind a legacy of love, she will be deeply missed by her family and those who cared for her. Jean moved to Calgary after the passing of her husband of 61 years Ivan Culham. For many years Jean lived independently in the Manor at Huntington Hills. In more recent years she entered the assisted living program. 

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Karen McGrath (Keith) of Calgary, Alberta; and son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Gordon Culham (Renée) of Vancouver, BC. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Shelley Jenkins (Dean), Gordon McGrath (Ernestina), Andrea Sheahan (Bobby), Danielle Culham, Dominique Buckland (Gary); and eleven great-grandchildren, Carter Jenkins, Korey Jenkins, Jesse Jenkins, Lorenna, McGrath, Lucia McGrath, Jyles McGrath, Lina McGrath, Grey Sheahan, Lilianna Sheahan, Maddox Buckland, Sloane Buckland.

A Private Family Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Culham’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Alberta SPCA), 17904 118 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 2W3, Telephone: 780-447-3600, https://www.albertaspca.org/, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Her family greatly appreciate and thank the staff at the Manor for the exemplary care they provided to Jean.

In living memory of Olive “Jean” Culham, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Heritage, 1708 – 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 0L7, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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