Ida Olejar, 97, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully at her residence in Youngstown, NY on September 15, 2025, under the compassionate care of her loving family, her aide Sharise, and assistance from Niagara Hospice. Born in Brussels, Belgium, Ida was the daughter of the late Emil and Julia (Bonnewijn) DeCraen.
Ida graduated from trade school as a seamstress in Belgium and married the love of her life, Frank J. Olejar, as a War Bride in 1946. Following their marriage, Ida came to the United States and settled in Niagara Falls, NY. Mr. Olejar predeceased her on December 12, 2009, after 63 years of marriage.
Ida was employed at Beir’s Department Store, worked as a seamstress at Wellsley Dress Shop on Main Street in Niagara Falls, and later at the BonTon in both the Summit Park Mall and Northtown Plaza in Amherst. She was a proud member of the Reunited Seniors Group, the Deveaux Seniors, and the Red Hat Society, all in Niagara Falls, and generously volunteered her time with Meals on Wheels. Ida enjoyed crafting, crocheting, knitting and sewing, and going to the theatre. Above all, Ida cherished the time she spent with her family.
Ida is survived by her children, Diane Olejar (Joseph Achtyl), Stephen (Beth) Olejar, and Judy (late Sean) O’Shea; her beloved grandchildren, Karen (Michaël) Bru, Mark Achtyl (fiancée Carla Wisniewski), and Claire Achtyl (Robert Crabtree), Catherine (Robert) LaBove, Kevin (Natalie) Olejar, and Brendan (Maggie) O’Shea; great-grandchildren, Henri, Teddy, Julia, Ryan, Dylan, Tyler, Sophia, and George; her brother, Jan (Denise) DeCraen of Belgium, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her husband, Ida was predeceased by her siblings, Rosa (late Robert) DePauw, Eliza, Louis, and Rene’.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 18 from 2:30 – 4:30 PM and 6 – 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Ida’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 19 at 11 AM at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Entombment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice, www.niagarahospice.org. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
SERVICES
Visitation
Thursday, September 18, 2025
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Visitation
Thursday, September 18, 2025
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, September 19, 2025
11:00 AM
Prince of Peace Church
1055 N. Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
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