Bette Ann Olson

Bette Ann Merkle Olson, 82, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of 29 March 2025, at St. Francis Hospice in Titusville, Florida. Bette was born on 11 April 1942 in Rockville Centre, New York, to Annette Joan Carmina and Thomas Edward Merkle and was the oldest of three daughters. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Harry Olson and their three daughters, Elizabeth Joan Olson (Kathleen Tumulty), Tamra Ann Berry (Kurt Richard), Dawn Lilea Olson (Wes Burris); two grandchildren, Kurt Thomas Berry and Kali Nicole Berry and great granddaughter Addison Rae Berry. Other survivors include her two sisters Marilyn and Diane, several nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

Bette and Tom met when they were attending Northport High School. They grew up right around the corner from each other and were married in 1962. They made their first home together in East Northport, surrounded by immediate and extended family.

Bette resided in Rockledge Florida since 1966, when she, Tom, Liz and Tami relocated from East Northport. She was a busy homemaker early on during the Apollo days at the Cape. Later in life, she worked for Orlando Utilities and Alternate Family Care before retiring in 2002.

Being a part of the “Space Race” in the 1960’s was a big adventure for Tom and Bette. He was a part of the Grumman team that put us on the moon. The company gatherings through the decades for the Grumman-Apollo families have been well attended and enjoyed immensely. Those space program friends, some originally from New York and others newly met in Brevard County, have been a cherished part of their lives in Florida.

Bette always kept busy in her daughter’s early lives. There were always some activities to attend to like St Mary’s Catholic School Home Room Mother, field trip chaperone, Christmas plays, Blue Birds, basketball and cheerleading events and 4-H. Indian Maidens (Chief!) and Rockledge Miss Softball (Manager) with Dawn was a big part of the 1980’s!

Her greatest joy in life was having grandchildren (Kurt and Kali-thank you Tami!) and her precious great granddaughter (Addi-thank you Kali!). These three brought so much happiness to her life and always got the biggest smiles and best hugs and kisses from Mama! Prior to these important births (and even after) Bette loved having her dogs and her grand dogs as part of her life. Despite pleading from most of us, there was never an end to the delicious treats provided.

In retirement, Bette always had some sort of plans for the day. She kept busy with family events and visits with her many friends. Her list of activities included attending concerts and plays, watching Kali and Addi play softball, lots of lunch and dinner dates, Red Hat Society events, running into Kurt T at Publix and getting the scoop on special deals, painting daily and playing cards with old friends from the neighborhood. Bette was always up for an outing or trying new things. Shopping for special gifts for family and friends was a particular joy.

Bette and Tom loved traveling to visit friends and family in New York and the northeast, attending the Northport High School annual reunions regularly and taking lots of cruises! One of her biggest adventures was traveling to Europe in 2017 with Tom, Liz and Kathy-exploring Spain, France, Greece, Montenegro and her beloved ancestral home, Italy.

Those friends and extended family who were lucky enough to stay in her orbit were regaled with stories from all these adventures as well as thoughts on new restaurants, local theatre and church events, commentary about her life as a budding Picasso and discussion about civil, LGBTQ and women’s rights. There was always something interesting to talk about.

Bette and Tom have been members of the St Mary’s Catholic community since 1966, sending all three daughters there Kindergarten thru 8th grade. This enabled them to participate in multiple volunteer positions over the decades including helping with annual fairs and festivals, fundraisers and special community breakfasts and, more recently, as Eucharistic Ministers. If not actively participating in mass on Sunday, Bette could be found alongside Tom, right side of the church, third pew, on the end.

A funeral mass and celebration will take place on 13 May 2025, 11 am, at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Viera, Florida with a reception immediately to follow. We invite all friends and family to join Tom and his family in celebrating a life well lived.