Rosalee Sutton Olson

Rosalee Sutton Olson, 83, of Fredericksburg, VA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 16, 2026. Rosie was born on October 20, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Robert Hall Sutton and Geneva L. Fitch Sutton. She is preceded in death by her brother, Ralph Sutton.

In 1965, Rosie graduated from Rush University School of Nursing in Chicago. She dedicated the next 46 years of her life to nursing, with notable employments in substance abuse centers and AIDS’ clinics. With a love of antiques, she opened an antique shop outside of Chicago for a short period of time. Rosie was a strong political activist. A defining experience in her life was a trip she took with fellow students from Coe College to Mississippi in the early 1960’s to protest during the Civil Rights Movement. She loved people and always took time to listen to their stories. This love led her to views and political leanings inclusive of all people. Rosie was a talented musician, both at the piano and singing, performing annually at her nursing school variety shows; she had a gift of harmony. An active participant in Young Life and later as a Sunday school teacher in her local church, her strong faith was evident throughout her life. With a particular passion for dogs and birds, Rosie couldn’t wait to be reunited with all of her pets.

In 1979 Rosie moved to DC, where she met her husband Gary and welcomed two children. She was a devoted, proud mother and considered her children her greatest accomplishments. With a delightful humour and contagious echoing laugh, Rosie exuded a love and light that touched everyone she met; to know her, was to love her. She led with a generous spirit of giving, and will be missed by many. Rosie is survived by her husband, Gary Olson; her two children, Margaret Johns and her husband Matthew, Robert Olson and his wife Cynthia, as well as six grandchildren; Mayes, Mabry, Micah, Meyer, Charlie, and Maddy. A celebration of life is planned for May. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spotsylvania Animal Shelter, 450 Tv Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408.