In memory of

Cordella Oliver

July 21, 1941 -  May 7, 2021

It is with tremendous sadness that the family said goodbye to Cordella Oliver (nee Rudderham), born July 21, 1941 in Sydney Nova Scotia, fondly known to her Cape Breton family as “Dolly”, who died at home in Toronto on Friday May 7, 2021.

Predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Craig Oliver, Cordella will be loved and remembered by her two daughters, Allison (Michael DeKoning) and Krista and by her five grandchildren Derek (Rachel), Kyra, Olivia, Paige and Stefan.

Raised in Cape Breton, Cordella earned an English degree at Mount Allison University, N.B. Upon graduation Cordella moved to Toronto, where she got a teaching degree and began work as an English Teacher for the Toronto School Board. Soon after she embarked on a 33-year career as English Teacher at the Bnei Akiva, Orthodox Jewish high school. Much loved, “Mrs. Oliver” was celebrated at her retirement by, in many cases, two generations of students at the Yeshiva, and featured in the “Canadian Jewish News”.

As for Cordella’s family life, upon arrival in Toronto, she soon met and married, Craig Oliver. They lived in Toronto with their two daughters. Cordella had a love and empathy for children which was evident in her parenting and later with each of her five grandchildren. She made everyone who came into her home feel like a member of the family and every event and milestone a celebration. Cordella applied her substantial intellect to everything she did by sharing her love of literature, culture, and travel. We will all miss her loving demeanour, quick wit (and grammar corrections?). Her impact on friends and family was far reaching, and her words and deeds added so much value to family, friends, colleagues and more.

Graveside funeral service will be held at York Cemetery, 160 Beecroft Road, Toronto at 1pm on May 17th, 2021. Unfortunately, due to Covid guideline, attendance is restricted to a small private service, and there can be no reception.

If you wish to donate in Cordella name, she supported, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada

Guestbook 

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Nicole Veinotte (Niece)

Entered May 14, 2021 from Port Williams Nova scotia

Dolly was a very special aunt to us growing up. There were many trips to Toronto for our family and we were always welcomed with love and fun by Aunt Dolly and Uncle Craig. They were always up for an adventure in the kitchen or on the water. Dolly just made you feel like part of her inner family and always made time for your questions or your needs. We were never bored when Aunt Dolly was around. She raised two amazing daughters that I have had the privilege to know and love, even though we never lived in the same province together. She will be so missed by her family and we are sending all our love and comfort from the East Coast to you all.xoxo

Jerry and Marley Greenglass (Friend and old neighbour.)

Entered May 14, 2021 from Toronto

Dear Allison and Krista

I was so sorry to learn that your mom has died. Everything you wrote about her is so true.

She was an amazing neighbor, kind and thoughtful and gracious. It was because of her influence that I decided to go to university later in life and ended up graduating with the Masters of education.

I know her presence in your lives has always been so precious and I know she will be with you always.

So sorry for your loss

Jerry and Marley Greenglass

Ellen Grosman (Old neighbour)

Entered May 14, 2021 from Toronto

Krista and Allison, I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a wonderful woman. She always welcomed me into your home with a friendly smile and kind heart (and sometimes correction of my vocabulary...apparently I said crown instead of crayon). Sending you love in this difficult time 💕

Sue and Bill eetmore (Friends from younger, happier times)

Entered May 14, 2021 from Grimsby, Ontario

Missed dearly but never forgotten. Good times together are wonderful memories to hold onto.

Angela Trotter (Friend and Family)

Entered May 14, 2021 from Peterborough

I was saddened to read about Aunt Cordella’s passing. I have many fond memories of her from Pavlova to Mid-Summer Nights Dream to the annual cottage visits. She and her lively grammatically correct wit will be missed by many. Warmest thoughts and good wishes to those she left behind.

Sincerely,
Angela

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