Martha L Olsen

GALES FERRY - Martha Louise Olsen, 91, died peacefully at her home in the care of her loving family and caregiver on September 5, 2011. She was born on October 27, 1919 in Somerville, MA, the daughter of Martha Marie and Louis Herland. She was the beloved wife of Peter Irving Olsen for 67 years. She was predeceased by her siblings Marion Hunt, Norman Herland and George Herland.

As a child, she lived in Somerville, MA, the Isle of Pines, Cuba and Brooklyn, NY. She was educated in Brooklyn and graduated from the Lutheran Medical Center as a Registered Nurse.

On August 5, 1944, she married Capt. Peter Irving Olsen, USMC. During his 21 years of service, they were stationed in Quantico, VA, Guam, Hawaii, California, North Carolina and Norfolk, VA before retiring to Gales Ferry, CT in 1962.

Martha was active in her nursing profession, community and church. In addition to volunteering for various charities, Martha served on the Nursing Board in Ledyard. Her faith, commitment and service to the church included the Altar Guild, Dorcas and annual bazaar. She loved gardening, sewing, crocheting and quilting. Her home was always open to family and friends. She was a gracious and exceptional lady.

She is survived by her husband, Peter, and their four children, Louise Norko and William of Ruckersville, VA, Peter Olsen and Nancy of Clinton, CT, Robert Olsen and Pamela of Falmouth, MA and Linda Allen and Richard of Norwich, CT. She has ten grandchildren, Sarah Barry and Shawn, Tara Armstrong and Brian, Rachel Buonocore and Jim, Adam Norko and Whitney, Ryan Olsen, Kathryn Olsen, Brett Olsen, Ashley Allen and fiance Nicholas Chaber, Andrew Olsen and Eric Allen. She also has 10 great-grandchildren and loving caregiver Floretta Clarke. Martha will be missed by her many nieces, nephews and friends.

Calling Hours will be Thursday, September 8, from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street in Norwich. The funeral service will be at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on 248 Broadway in Norwich on Friday, September 9, at 10:00am meeting directly at church, with burial to follow at the Gales Ferry Cemetery at the corner of Military Highway and Hurlbutt Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be given at www.churchandallen.com.