DeVonna Marie Olson

DeVonna was a courageous, thoughtful, and compassionate mother, wife and friend whose life touched many hearts from her birth in Littlefork, Minnesota on May 23, 1940, until her passing in Bellevue, Washington on March 20, 2026 from complications of breast cancer.

DeVonna lived a life that reflected strength and courage. She carried herself with a cheerful attitude, quiet determination and a steady sense of purpose, and she met each chapter of life with grace. Her story reminds us that a meaningful life is not measured only by milestones, but by the character we bring to each day, the kindness we offer, the services we perform and the love we leave behind. DeVonna embodied all of these things. She showed that courage is not always loud, and that thoughtful acts often leave the deepest mark.

During a time when fewer career opportunities existed for women, DeVonna knew exactly what she wanted. She believed that no job was beneath her, having picked beans, strawberries, and other produce in and around Sweet Home, Oregon when she was growing up. After graduating from Sweet Home High School in 1958, she forged an impressive professional path and worked her way up to becoming an Executive Secretary at U.S. Steel in Portland, Oregon. It was her proudest accomplishment and it spoke volumes about her determination, intelligence, and perseverance. She earned respect through hard work and dedication, proving that success is built one step at a time. Her career path reflected a woman who understood the value of commitment and who used her gifts with excellence.

After her marriage in 1968, DeVonna supported her husband as he earned his Master’s degree from OSU and subsequently raised their growing family in Portland, Oregon, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Glendale, California before moving to Bellevue, Washington in 1979. DeVonna gave her time and energy to her community through PTA involvement for all her children, where she earned awards that recognized her contributions. She earned respect through dedication, consistency, and the kind of presence that makes an organization stronger. She believed in showing up, in helping where she could, and in making a difference in the lives of children and families. Her involvement was another expression of her generous heart. She understood that service is one of the highest forms of leadership, and she lived that truth in a way that inspired others. Her life showed that success is not measured by titles, but by the personality and character that earns them.

DeVonna found great joy in the simple pleasures that make life rich and memorable. She loved shopping and dining out, trying new restaurants and the satisfying exhaustion of a day spent browsing and discovering. She enjoyed reading newspapers, periodicals, and magazines, staying informed and engaged with the world around her. She always had a history or educational documentary playing on television, or a murder mystery waiting in audiobook form. These interests reflected a curious mind and a love of learning that never faded. She remained interested in the world, always ready to listen, observe, and think deeply. She valued knowledge, conversation, and the chance to understand the world more deeply and passed these values on to her family.

Those who knew DeVonna will remember her as someone who approached life with a sense of wonder and adventure and who met life’s challenges with courage and good humor. They will remember her playfulness, demonstrated in her birthday cards and b-list holiday cards, each with a personal, handwritten message exhibiting her thoughtfulness, which also showed up in the way she listened, the way she cared, and the way she made others feel. She was friendly in a way that made others feel welcome and she had a presence that brought comfort and steadiness. They will remember her loving spirit, which exuded warmth everywhere she went and gave strength to her family. Her life teaches us that we do not need perfection to make a powerful impact: we need commitment, sincerity, endurance, and a heart willing to love deeply and unconditionally. DeVonna was all those things and more. She did not need to seek attention to make an impact. Her life spoke for her. It spoke through her interests, her charities, and the love she gave so freely and unconditionally to her family and friends. She demonstrated that a life well-lived is one that faces hardship with resilience, embraces joy with gratitude, and treats others with genuine kindness.

DeVonna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen H. Olson (January 9, 2021), and their shared life of 53 years remains part of the enduring story of her family. She was also predeceased by her parents, Vernon & Alice Osborn; and sister, Jill & Jim Namitz. She is survived by her brother, Merle Alfred Osborn and wife Jean Ott; her four children, son Shawn & Barb Olson, daughter Stephanie Hansen, son Stephen T. & Kristin Olson and daughter Sheryl Bianchi; two grandsons, Luke & Jack Olson; and six granddaughters, Allison & Madison Bianchi, Gracie, Heather, Sophia & Ella Olson; nephews and nieces, Jimmy & Julie Namitz, Julie & Scott Emmert, and her black cat, Tom Kitty. Her family is a living testimony to the love she gave and the values she passed on and through them, her memory and influence will continue. The love she poured into her family cannot be measured, and the lessons she lived and taught will continue to guide those who were blessed to know her.

DeVonna Marie Olson leaves behind a legacy of resilience, devotion, and quiet excellence. Her life stands as a reminder that every season matters, every effort counts, and every act of love endures. She inspired and lived with purpose, she served with grace, and she loved with her whole heart. Cherished in life, she will be missed deeply. May her memory continue to encourage all who knew her to live boldly, care deeply, and walk through life with the same steadfast courage she carried so beautifully.