Blanche Beverly Olejnik spent much of her life nourishing others, through her work in dietetics, the meals she prepared for family and friends and the food she helped grow for people in her community. 

Born in Saskatchewan and raised in Vancouver, Blanche graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Home Economics in 1954 before beginning a career in dietetics, food service and nutrition that would span more than four decades. Her work eventually took her to Montreal where she worked and taught, returned to school to earn an MBA from McGill University and helped train future dietitians. It was also where she built a life with her husband, Herbert “Herbie” Olejnik, after the two met through their shared love of skiing, tennis and bridge. 

For Blanche, caring for others extended far beyond her career. She loved being in the kitchen and garden, cooking and baking for the people around her or knitting something special for someone she loved. She also gave generously of her time, from helping with Meals on Wheels in Montreal to volunteering after her return to Vancouver. 

One place became especially close to her heart. For 25 years, Blanche volunteered in the UBC Botanical Garden’s Food Garden, where she helped grow and harvest fresh produce for students and others experiencing food insecurity beyond campus. It brought together so much of what mattered to her, including good food, gardening, community and the simple pleasure of sharing what she could with others. 

Blanche will be remembered for a life filled with curiosity, care and generosity, as well as for the many ways she helped something good grow—whether in a garden or in the lives of the people around her. 

Blanche’s 25 years of volunteer service at the UBC Botanical Garden reflected her lifelong connection to food, gardening and caring for others. 

Your gift to the UBC Botanical Garden in memory of Blanche will honour the time, knowledge and care she shared with the Garden and the wider community. Through your support, Blanche’s connection to a place that meant so much to her can continue for generations to come.