Nanette Johnson Olson

Nanette Johnson Olson, of Fort Lauderdale, passed away peacefully at the age of 67 on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, surrounded by her close family and loved ones. She was born at Wiesbaden Air Base, West Germany, on August 3, 1955, to Oscar and Betty Johnson, but raised a Texan. After high school, Nanette attended Sewanee, The University of the South, graduating in 1977 with a BA in Psychology and forever falling in love with the school and surrounding area. Upon graduation, Nanette moved to South Florida and received her law degree in 1982 from the University of Miami.

Nanette joined the Fort Lauderdale law firm English, McCaughan & O’Bryan in 1983, but left the law firm grind behind to focus on raising her two young sons, Max and Chris. In 1992, she began the second phase of her career, finding that she had a real passion and talent for development and planned giving, which allowed her to do what she loved most: meet new people and make lasting connections.

Nanette joined Holy Cross Hospital in 1992, and over the course of nearly 15 years, she rose to the level of Executive Director of Major Gifts and Gift Planning. In 2007, she jumped at the opportunity to be the Director of Gift Planning at the University of the South, returning to her alma mater she loved. Although now based in Tennessee, she would make sure that she filled her schedule with meetings with South Florida alumni and donors during her sons’ college breaks so that she could spend time in Fort Lauderdale with them (not to mention avoid the Tennessee winters).

In 2012, Nanette moved back to Fort Lauderdale and joined the John Knox Village of Florida Foundation as its Executive Director, where she was responsible for all levels of philanthropy at JKV. It was there that she found love later in life, meeting her husband, Mark Olson, who also worked at JKV at the time. They were married in an intimate ceremony in 2014, and he brought so much joy to her life, as she did his. As an avid traveler, she and Mark fulfilled her lifelong dream of visiting the Galapagos and, earlier this year, had a blast whale watching in Baja California together.

Nanette demonstrated a life-long commitment to community service and leadership, and was generous with her time to anyone seeking advice or help. She served as the President of the Junior League of Greater Ft. Lauderdale (1996-1997), where she helped to open the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center. Nanette believed it was important to help those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues, and more recently became involved with Florida Lawyers Assistance, which provides confidential assistance and support to lawyers, judges and law students who are struggling with alcohol, drugs, mental health, or cognitive decline. And as a woman of deep faith, Nanette relished the opportunity to volunteer in various leadership roles at All Saints Episcopal Church in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Nanette was a truly special woman who had an unparalleled ability to leave a lasting impression on those she met, and her passing leaves an unfillable gap in the hearts of her loved ones. Those who knew her will remember her kindness, generosity, and Texas-sized personality. But maybe most of all, they will remember her booming laugh that would fill a room (and sometimes adjoining rooms).

Most of all, Nanette was a loving a devoted mother and grandmother. She leaves behind her husband, Mark; her two sons, Max (Catherine) Rudolf and Chris (Erica) Rudolf; her two granddaughters Mia and Talia; her sister, Kathy Lanford; one crazy dog, Cappy, who absolutely adored her; and countless friends and loved ones. She lives in us and will always be in our hearts.

A memorial service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on July 29, 2023, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 333 Tarpon Drive, Fort Lauderdale, followed by a celebration of life reception. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her name to the FLITE Center (Fort Lauderdale Independence, Training & Education Center) or the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired Nanette, be sure to let the family know by writing a few words in the "Memory" section of her obituary on the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home website. www.KraeerFairchild.com