Olga Zalokoski McAllister

Olga Zalokoski McAllister, member of Visalia Friends Meeting, died January 23, 2017, of natural causes at the age of 98.  She was born on September 14, 1918, to Rosalia Motrycz Zalokoski and Gregor (Harry) Zalokoski in Chester, Pennsylvania.

On a nature hike to Hawk Mountain, Pennsylvania, Olga met Bard McAllister, her future husband and sharer of adventures for nearly 60 years.  As observed in her obituary, Olga kept a home in such diverse places as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Glendora, California; Orlando, Florida; Alpine, Tennessee; Sapelo, Georgia; Visalia, California; then to Zambia (Africa) for six years before settling permanently in Visalia in 1972, all while mothering four sons and supporting Bard’s community organizing efforts.

Olga had many interests.  She loved nature, birding, was an avid camper and shared this love with her husband, children, grandchildren, friends and Friends.  She and Bard, on one acre, planted walnuts, grapes, peaches, persimmons, kiwis, etc. to consume, preserve and share with neighbors and friends.

Peace was a passion for Olga.  She took part in many vigils against atomic bomb research and distribution.  She was a presence on a busy Visalia street corner for ten years of weekly Iraq war protests while holding a sign that said “Another Great-Grandmother for Peace.”  As a resident of Westgate Gardens, her last home, Olga rallied for peace every day through the bumper sticker “War is Not the Answer” on the back of her wheelchair. 

Olga was described at her memorial as a true Quaker, a living conscience and an inspiration.  It was noted that even though physically absent, she was responsible for the “Olga Test” in Meeting affairs.  If we were deciding something, someone might ask, “What would Olga say about that?”  If we’d be discussing whether to drop our support from an organization, someone would say, “That’s important to Olga,” and we’d continue the support.  She inspired us all.

Olga was predeceased by her husband, Bard McAllister, and their son Brian.  Olga is survived by her sons Keith and his wife Mary, Carl and his wife Janelle, and Bruce.  She is also survived by nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.