Donna Olsen
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Donna Olsen passed away on Monday August 9th, at the age of 89, surrounded by her eternally grateful children.
Donna was born on May 18, 1932 in Everett, WA to Olga (Carlson) and Clarence P. Decker. She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1949 then attended Washington State University where she became a Kappa Delta. She earned her "Mrs." degree after meeting the love of her life, Robert A. Olsen. Together, they started a family with two kids in the Seattle area and in 1958 moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where their family grew by two and they lived for the next 35 years. There, Donna was passionate about volunteering and her involvement in many local organizations including the Scandinavian Society, Junior League and Garden Club. She was recognized for 25 years of service as an official pollworker for the voters of Cincinnati. Her career involved panel work with Proctor and Gamble as well as other odd jobs, but mostly, she was the consummate homemaker. Together with her husband Bob, they cultivated many lifelong friendships with whom became a part of their family. They enjoyed travelling the world with their friends and family, experiencing the people and cultures, food and drink. Donna enjoyed all aspects and creative details of entertaining and Bob embraced his role as the life of the party. Together, they were a force - of love. In 1993, she and Bob moved back to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to their extended family. They relished in time spent on the waters of the Puget Sound and enjoyed hosting guests and gatherings; their home was fully equipped with a revolving door and extra rooms for overnight guests.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Dr. Robert A. Olsen and her parents Olga Julia Green and Clarence P. Decker. She is survived by her children, son Stephen (Lisa) Olsen of Port Ludlow, WA, daughters Debie Murchie (Scott Sutton) of Everett, WA, Carrie Weber ( Jim) of Bellingham, WA and Kristen Lynch (Stuart) of Kirkland, WA, Grandson Corey Heltman (Christine Belcourt) of Des Moines, WA, and granddaughters Jennifer Hayden (Casey) of Bellingham, WA, Katie Olsen of West Seattle, Hannah Heltman of Kirkland, WA, Kristi Lynch of San Francisco, CA, and Megan Lynch of Denver, CO, Great grandchildren Gwen and Hellen Hayden, Reyhna and Arya Heltman and her brother, Jeff Decker of Oroville, WA as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Anderson Cemetery in Stanwood, WA at 11:00AM on 8/27/21. We welcome all family and friends. A Celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to LBDA, Lewy Body Dementia Association. We know Donna would like to extend a special thank you to the loving staff on 3 West at Harborview Medical Center and Alina and staff at Bridle Trails Senior Care Home.