Isabelle Meric Olson

Isabelle Marie Meric Olson passed away quietly on May 12 after nearly 95 years of laughter, warmth and joy. She will be missed by her many friends and loving family. Isabelle was born on June 13, 1920 in New Orleans, the oldest daughter of Edward Meric and Isabelle Allain Meric. Isabelle attended St. Anthony of Padua and St. Mary’s Dominican High School. She loved growing up in New Orleans, but her adventurous spirit took her to California during WWII where she worked for Universal Recorders and volunteered at the Hollywood Canteen. Isabelle loved to dance, to socialize, to live every day to the fullest. She eventually married Paul Olson in 1947 and they settled down in Redondo Beach where they raised 3 daughters. She was active in her church, St. Catherine Laboure, where her girls attended elementary school. She loved gardening, camping, square dancing, bicycling, bowling, playing golf, practicing yoga and swimming; in short, she was up for anything fun. In the early 1970’s she moved back to her beloved New Orleans with her youngest daughter. She volunteered with the Louisiana Archeological Society, the City Park Botanical Gardens, and for many years she was a docent at the New Orleans Museum of Art. She traveled the world with her lady friends (and occasionally her oldest daughter). She adored people and was known for her excellent mint juleps. When she was 85 she courageously rebuilt the home she was raised in after Katrina.

Isabelle’s greatest source of pride and happiness was her 3 daughters and grand-daughter. She was a strong, loving, and supportive mother and Nana. She is survived by her daughters: Paulette Olson, Christine Olson (Per Garder), and Jeanette Olson (Ivan Gill); her granddaughter, Emma Olson; and her many cherished friends. Isabelle lived her life as a joyful, unquenchable dance, and we are grateful to have shared a turn with her.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a memorial mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at 12:00 PM. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.