Emilie Sue Olsen

Emilie Sue Olsen, our eternal ballerina, elegantly departed this life on March 22, 2026. Born September 8, 1947 she spent her too short 78 years showing us how to dance through life, stand up for what we believe in, pursue our dreams, make people feel seen, and deeply love friends and family. An independent, sassy, and determined woman she beat the odds to live her dreams as a professional ballerina, survive and thrive after a brain tumor, succeed as a computer programmer, create a loving family, and live happily with her husband of more than 50 years, James Anthony Cortez. She loved learning both about people she met and from the many books she read - a lifelong pursuit that never bored her. Her smile and bright blue eyes will live on forever in the memories of those who were lucky enough to know and love her. There aren’t ever words to completely encapsulate who a person is at the end of their life, but the most complete description of Emilie might be: “she was a badass.”

Her infinite love will continue on in her 2 children, 2 siblings, 2 well-cherished grandchildren, and many other extended family members and friends. She is greeted lovingly in the afterlife by her husband, parents, brother, and the many other people she loved. A reception to celebrate her life and love will be held April 18, 2026 at 11:30am at Mellow Mushroom in Avondale (3611 St. Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to The Misty Copeland Foundation (https://www.mistycopelandfoundation.org/donate/) so that more people can experience the beauty and power of dance, which she loved so much.