Family and friends are mourning the passing of Blanche Beverly Olejnik (née Banerd), who died peacefully on June 21, 2026, at the age of 93.
Born on December 12, 1932, in Kipling, Blanche lived a life marked by academic achievement, professional excellence, and decades of service to her community. Her passing leaves behind a legacy of compassion, education, and volunteerism that touched countless lives.
Blanche was the eldest child of Eva (Voelpel) and Fredrich Banerd. After her family relocated to Vancouver, she attended John Oliver Secondary School before earning a Bachelor of Home Economics from University of British Columbia in 1954.
Following an internship at Hamilton General Hospital, Blanche qualified as a dietitian and moved to Montreal, where she worked at Royal Victoria Hospital. During her career, she also taught at Dawson College and the Macdonald Campus of McGill University, mentoring students and forming lifelong friendships with colleagues.
Outside of her professional life, Blanche enjoyed skiing, tennis, and bridge. Through these activities, she met Herbert Paul Olejnik, whom she married in 1965. Together they built a family rooted in love, hospitality, and shared values. Friends and relatives fondly remember Blanche as an exceptional cook, baker, gardener, and knitter who always found joy in caring for others.
Determined to continue learning, Blanche returned to McGill University and earned her MBA in 1981. She went on to serve in Food Service and Nutrition Management at Kingston General Hospital and Royal Victoria Hospital, where she also managed the implementation of a Regional Dietetic Internship Programme before retiring in 1997.
Her commitment to service extended well beyond her career. In Montreal, she volunteered with the Victorian Order of Nurses, helping coordinate meal preparation for Meals on Wheels. After returning to Vancouver, she volunteered at the Vancouver Public Library and spent 25 years volunteering at the UBC Botanical Garden Food Garden. There, she helped grow fresh produce that supported student food banks and organizations addressing food insecurity throughout the region.
Blanche is survived by her sister, Dolores Banerd; her daughter, Christine Olejnik; grandchildren Kasia and Jack Lindsay, and Henry and Stanley Choi; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert “Herbie” Olejnik, her parents, her brother Adair, and her sister Audrey.
Her family has also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Finnish Care Home for the compassionate care they provided during her final years.
A celebration of Blanche Beverly Olejnik’s life will be held in September 2026, with details to be announced by the family. In keeping with her lifelong dedication to education and community service, memorial donations may be made to the UBC Botanical Garden.
Blanche Beverly Olejnik will be remembered as a devoted wife and mother, accomplished dietitian, respected educator, passionate gardener, and selfless volunteer whose legacy of generosity and service will continue to inspire future generations. May she rest in peace.