Nan Olson, 1936-2012
 Nancy Ann Olson, of Cedar Mill, Oregon, died in peace on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at St. Vincent's Hospital from complications due to a cerebral aneurysm. She was born in Portland on May 8, 1936 to Alf and Florence Borquist, and is survived by her sons, Nick and Nels Olson.
Nancy was a wonderful writer, a passionate gardener, and a superb grandmother. After graduating from Grant High School in 1954, she received her BA at the University of Oregon in primary education and taught pre-school, special education, and fourth grade in Portland schools for many years.
She married the love of her life, John R. Olson. They made their family home in Cedar Mill, where Nan researched and co-authored "Cedar Mill History."
Whether it was clamming at her beach house, shooting gophers with her shotgun on her hobby farm, playing golf with her husband, or power walking with her friends, Nan was an avid outdoor adventurer and most enjoyed being in nature.
Nan lived her truths and encouraged others to live theirs. She said, "Be proud of what you've done, be honest with yourself, be true to yourself. If you are human, you will have some regrets. Live your life with as little regret as possible, but even pieces of regret are important in learning. Never be afraid of sticking up for yourself, that's a hard one, but it gets easier as you get older."
Her sense of humor and her ability to take delight in people for who they are was lifelong. In the beauty and courage of her life and her passing, she will be missed and remembered by many.
A celebration of Nan's life will be held on Saturday, April 28, from 3-5:30 pm at Leedy Grange Hall, 835 NW Saltzman. All who knew her are invited to attend. Dress is casual, as her son Nick says, "She lived her life in a sweatshirt!"
The family requests donations to Leedy Grange in lieu of flowers. If you have photos or other memorabilia to share for the celebration, contact Virginia Bruce, info@cedarmillnews.com. |
