Esther Leona Olson

Esther Leona (Oman) Olson passed away peacefully on February 26, 2022, in Seattle, WA at the age of 96. Leona was born on October 18, 1925 to Carl and Milda (Norlinder) Oman at their small farm on Woods Creek near Monroe, WA.

As a young girl, Leona helped on the family farm, baking for the family and picking strawberries in the summer. She was a member of the Girl Scouts, Campfire Girls and Rainbow Girls. She was in the last graduating class from Monroe Union High School in 1943. She went on to attend the University of Washington, moved to Spokane and later to the Midwest before coming back to settle in Seattle. She became a journeyman printer and was the first woman in the U.S. to qualify as a Photo-Setter operator. She worked for the Seattle Times for 38 years, retiring in 1988.

Leona married Roy Olson in 1974. They had a busy and happy life together, traveling, camping, dancing and volunteering at Normanna Hall in Everett.

Leona was known for her hard work and many talents - especially when it came to baking! She made thousands of cookies over the years and her lucky family and friends looked forward to a beautifully arranged Christmas Cookie tray every year.

Leona spent countless hours as a volunteer. At Normanna Hall, among many other contributions, she ran the monthly pancake breakfast and was recognized by the lodge on her 90th birthday as the "energizer bunny". The Normanna kitchen was renamed "Leona's Kitchen" in her honor. She was in charge of the annual 17th of May luncheon at the Leif Erickson Hall in Ballard for many years. In 2007, she was the Honorary Grand Marshall of Ballard's annual 17th of May parade.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Roy. She is survived by her stepdaughter and stepson, their spouses, two grandsons and a great granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers, suggested remembrances are to the Normanna Scholarship Fund, Normanna Hall, Everett, WA.

A celebration of her life is being planned for the Spring at Normanna Hall.

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