Doreen Olsen

Doreen Olsen, 62, passed away on November 3, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona, and will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know her. Born on January 30, 1964 in Port Jefferson Station, New York, she was the daughter of Marie and Eugene Defina. One of four children, Doreen grew up alongside her siblings Eugene Jr, Frank, and Delores, sharing years marked by learning, laughter, and a closeness that remained deeply meaningful throughout her life.

Doreen graduated from Comsewogue High School and attended Suffolk County Community College. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, a role that suited her gentle strength and compassionate spirit, and in which her caring nature was evident to those she served and worked beside.

Family was at the center of Doreen’s world. She found genuine joy in gathering with those she loved—good food, good drinks, and the simple gift of time together were among her most cherished pleasures. She was engaged to John Bauer in December 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, and the laughter they shared and the memories they made together will be held close by John forevermore. Doreen also cherished her daughter deeply, and their bond was profoundly important to her.

Doreen’s life was filled with music, warmth, and a spirit of adventure that showed itself in the ways she embraced joy. A talented singer, she was often described as having the voice of an angel. She loved nights out dancing and singing karaoke purely for fun, and her love of music could also be found in quieter moments, listening to bands like Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd. She delighted in movement and the outdoors—roller skating in her own skates, swimming “like a fish,” and savoring sunsets whenever she could. She especially enjoyed traveling to California to be beachside, drawn to the peace and beauty of the coast.

Proud of her Sicilian Italian heritage, Doreen brought people together through food made from scratch—Italian dishes that filled homes with comfort and left family smiling around the table. Through her kindness, her lighthearted fun, and the steady way she cared for others, she remained beloved and deeply cherished by those who knew her best. She also loved her furry friend, Sassy, with all her heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374, US, on November 20, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.