Colleen Olm (April 13, 1949 – June 26, 2025)

Colleen Patricia Olm (nee De Back) of Battleford passed away peacefully in the early hours of June 26, 2025 at age 76 with family by her side. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Colleen fought a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer with the same positivity and defiance that defined her.

She leaves behind her beloved husband Larry, her son Chad (Mary), and her grandson, Lauchlan, who was her pride and joy. She is also survived by her brother David DeBack, several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, several nieces and nephews, and especially Shirley Olm with whom she shared a special bond.

Colleen was born to Jack and Emma DeBack on April 13, 1949 in Chatham, Ontario. When Colleen was quite young, her family moved to Saskatoon, where she grew up, attended Bedford Road Collegiate, and made many friends along the way. A chance encounter with a young man over strawberries led to her marriage of 55 years to Larry. Together, they had one son.

Starting a new adventure, Colleen, Larry and Chad moved just outside Saskatoon, where they built their home, life, and business together. Colleen worked as secretary for the companies she and Larry began in the construction industry. Her tenacity and resolve made the “rough around the edges” ironworkers quickly realize that she was no pushover.

Hard work paid off, allowing Larry and Colleen to enjoy early retirement and precious time together. Whether they were travelling or relaxing at home or their cabin, the pair shared a deep love that made them inseparable. They also had a good balance, knowing when to give each other space, while Colleen enjoyed time with cherished friends or worked on one of her many hobbies. Trips back to her own mother’s family in Northern Ireland, along with travels accompanied by her brother-in-law, Harvey and sister-in-law Shirley filled her with joy, but it was setting off in the motorhome with her husband to the Yukon and Northwest Territories that gave Colleen her most cherished memories.

Among Colleen’s various hobbies, she loved reading the most – never far from the latest Stephen King novel – as well as cooking and baking. Colleen was an avid crafter, and passed on her skills to the next generation. She took immense pride in her son, daughter-in-law and grandson, always keeping up to date with their accomplishments and was rooting for their success in everything they did. Colleen’s humble start made her a compassionate and generous individual who never shied away from helping others in need. She and Larry quietly supported people through various philanthropy work, always willing to share without praise or public attention. Colleen never stopped learning, even on the off chance she made a mistake, she made great efforts to be a better person. She was politically attuned, not afraid to speak up—sometimes when no one else would—she was a keen listener, and committed to her family and loved ones. Colleen set the bar high in terms of growing as a human being; she cared deeply for nature and humanity and made every effort to leave the world better for her grandson.

Colleen is predeceased by her parents: Jack and Emma DeBack respectively, and her older brother Brian.

As per Colleen’s wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Alyssa Kozinski, Apprentice Funeral Director

Condolences for the family can be made at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

• Date : 2025-07-18
• Location : Battleford, SK