Bernice Olsen

Bernice was born on May 2, 1935, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Paul and Wilma Hudson. She later moved to California, where she attended Whittier High School and went on to study nursing at Mount Saint Mary’s College.

On June 15, 1956, Bernice married the love of her life, Wayne L. Olsen. They met while Bernice was working at the Broken Drum Restaurant in Santa Monica, California. Together they built a life centered on family, service, and community.

Bernice devoted her life to her family as a homemaker and was deeply involved in volunteer work. She generously gave her time to the Girl Scouts of Orange County, Bobby Sox Softball, Little League, PTA, and various high school sports teams, always supporting young people and the community around her.

What will be remembered most about Bernice is her love and support for others. She was always eager to share her latest projects and took genuine joy in encouraging the interests and creativity of those around her. Known for her intuitive nature and wonderful sense of humor, Bernice had a gift for asking thought-provoking questions that challenged others to see the world in new ways.

Her favorite interests included gardening, painting, crafts, bowling, and—most of all—spending time with her six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. She is best described as strong, creative, passionate, and deeply loving.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne L. Olsen; her son, Stephen Olsen; her father, Paul Hudson; her mother, Wilma Hudson; and her brother, Paul L. Hudson.

She is survived by her daughters Susan Tarasut (Johnny), Karen McGuire (Al), and Christine Swain; and her grandson Stephan Olsen (son of Stephen Olsen).

Her extended family includes:

Granddaughters Jennifer Morris and Stephanie Tarasut (children of Susan); great-grandchildren Meadow and Autumn Morris; River Kelly and Mattis Sandefer.

Grandson Joshua Holmes (Katie) (son of Karen); great-grandchildren Christopher, James, Matthew, and Vivian Holmes.

Granddaughters Kaila Penner (Matt) and Eryn Lueders (Kody) (children of Christine); great-grandchildren Cooper and Sawyer Penner; Drew and Tate Lueders.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Westminster Memorial Park, Garden of Meditation. A reception will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Buca di Beppo, 7979 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647.

Bernice’s legacy of love, creativity, and thoughtful encouragement lives on in the many lives she touched.