Velma Jean Olson

Velma Jean Hanna Olson, 77, passed away on October 11, 2009 in Seattle, Washington. She was born on July 30, 1932 in Mercedes, Texas, and has been a resident of Washington State for nearly 50 years. Velma was an accomplished poet, a lover of the written word, and always ready for a lively game of Scrabble--during which she invariably produced obscure and esoteric words. She was known for her wit, compassion, sense of humor, and love of family. As a high school student she wrote numerous columns in and was co-editor of her school paper, The Tiger. She was awarded numerous honors for her journalistic efforts, including either winning or placing in a number of state-wide competitions. A devoted mother, grandmother, and aunt, Velma was always among the first to volunteer: Cub Scout den mother, Little League concession stand worker, and PTA committee member include the long list. Always intellectually curious, Velma often took community college courses in a variety of subjects, including in drawing, water color, and other artistic mediums. She was always enthusiastic to try new foods, visit new places, and meet new people. Velma will always be remembered as kind, gracious and caring, and indeed continued to smile at all who entered her room up until her very last day of life. She is survived by her sister, Anita Fremstad of Sacramento, California; two sons, Craig (Tracy) Olson of Vaughn, Washington, and Kurt (Cathy) Olson of Lake Tahoe, California,; and four grandchildren, Mariah, Zachary, Inga, and Odin.