Joan Emily Olson

Joan Emily Olson (Currier), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend and mentor to many, passed away in June 2026 with encouragement and love guiding her peacefully into the embrace of those who had passed before her.

Joans gift for guidance and inspiration touched the lives of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and countless others throughout her life.

Born in October 1945 in Seattle Washington, she was one of four children to Jack and Sarah Currier. Along with siblings Sally, John and Jimmy, she grew up in a devoted and fun-loving family that laid the foundation for generations to come. The beach house the family owned on Whidbey Island became a cherished gathering place for the extended family, creating memories that spanned several generations.

Joan married the love of her life, Dennis Olson, in 1978. Together, they shared 48 years of unwavering love and partnership, serving as an inspiration to everyone who knew them. They began their life together living in Edmonds Washington for 17 years, then moving to Lynnwood Washington where they spent the next 20 years together. Their partnership was truly special, built on love, generosity, and compassion. Joan and Dennis were always the first to lend a helping hand in times of need. Their open hearts and welcoming home made a lasting difference in the lives of so many. Family was the center of everything they did, and their holiday gatherings became treasured traditions, eagerly anticipated by family and friends of every generation.

As the mother of two, grandmother of four and great grandmother of six, Joan brought beauty, warmth and growth to everyone she touched. She carried on and created family traditions that the next generations still do and will carry on in her memory. Christmas will never be quite the same without her; yet she will always be remembered in the twinkling lights on the tree, the homemade ornaments she lovingly crafted and gifted, and the joy she brought to every celebration. Halloween will forever remind her family of her mischievous spirit and sense of humor, and the delight she took in surprising her loved ones with a playful prank or a well-timed scare.

Joan never forgot a birthday, never missed celebrating an accomplishment, and was always there through life's challenges and triumphs. She was simply ... there. She would help you bake cookies, paint your house, offer advice, or simply listen. Nothing was beyond her reach; her heart was in everything, and she loved her family and friends with her whole being.

In her retirement, Joan did not slow down or stop learning; instead, it opened a new chapter of learning, growth, and service. She became a Master Gardener, and her beautiful yard reflected her remarkable ability to nurture life and create beauty. Being a Master Gardener became a significant and meaningful part of her retirement years, and she generously volunteered at community events and projects; Joan never stopped giving back.

Joan is lovingly survived by her husband Dennis, daughter Debby, her grandchildren Matt, Dean Jr. (DJ), Lacey and Desirae, great grandchildren Jaden, Kalilah, Grace, Penny, Tristan and Katya. Joan is now reunited with her beloved son Dean (1963 – 2024) and grandson Derek (1992 – 2018) as well as her parents Jack and Sarah and her siblings Sally, John and Jimmy.

Joan would have encouraged anyone that would choose to honor her memory to perform acts of kindness, planting a yellow rose, a tree or flower in her memory or volunteering at a local charity. There would be no more fitting tribute to a life so generously and beautifully lived.