Gloria Jean Olson

Gloria Jean Olson, age 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep in her son’s home on Friday, December 23rd, 2022 in Truckee, California while visiting for the holidays. Gloria was born on December 26th, 1935, in Cumberland, Wisconsin, to Esther and Clarence Poulter and was their eldest child. Gloria excelled at everything she did and earned her Registered Nurse designation in 1956 and began her career on the surgical floor of Northwestern University. That same year, she married her childhood neighbor and High School sweetheart, LeRoy Olson, and they were married for over 66 years until his passing in August 2022. They went on to have two sons David (Maria) of Truckee, CA; and Thomas (Linda) of Leawood, KS. Gloria paused her career in those years to be a full-time Mom and to give her children everything possible to have a happy and idyllic childhood. After moving to East Lansing, Michigan in 1961 Gloria worked part-time in Healthcare Administration at Michigan State University College of Medicine, Sparrow Hospital and Ingham Medical Center. She excelled in these roles going full time in 1976 and was promoted to be Nursing Supervisor for Outpatient Clinics at Ingham Medical Center. She went back to college and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing Supervision and Management from Central Michigan University in 1978. She retired after 25 years at Ingham Medical Center in 1992. Gloria will be remembered for her dedication to family and wholehearted embrace of her eclectic passions. These included - cooking extraordinary meals for numerous gourmet clubs and friends, becoming a Master Gardener, actively participating in Prayers and Squares quilting group, social clubs, and church circle. Gloria was a compassionate and caring woman who spent most of her life thinking about others. She was always baking, exploring a new recipe, calling friends and neighbors who needed extra help or a friendly ear. Gloria was a dedicated and faithful member of University Lutheran Church in East Lansing, MI for over 61 years. She was devoted to her parents, husband, and younger brother, Jim. Gloria is survived by her two sons, brother and three grandchildren – Claire (Joe), Ryan and Emily who she was always cheerleading for in all their pursuits. A memorial service is planned and donations in her name can be made to University Lutheran Church 1020 S. Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Tributes

Gloria Jean Olson

December 26, 1935 - December 23, 2022