Barbara Ellen Olin

Life began in a small town January 11, 1939

My mother and two sisters were with me as I grew

In a house full of women I found that over time

No matter how much I planned, my future was unknown

So I met my future husband and made my life-long friends

I grew up very quickly and got married very young

My life brought me blessings that that would never end

With a new love of two daughters and three sons

My divorce wasn't easy making it rough day by day

Mistakes turned into problems that made me pray and cry

I picked myself up wiped my tears determined to find a way

So I filled my glass took a drink and learned how to fly

Nursing was my calling that I knew from the start

The elderly in need held a special place in my heart

With love for them, I worked in nursing homes with pride

Caring for them and crying as they crossed to the other side

Then came grandchildren bringing such joy to my heart

They began to spread their wings determined from the start

I was not always vocal that I was so proud of them all

As they grew so quickly in life answering their own call

My experiences and memories I held in my mind

I embraced the good and left the bad behind

Then my body started hurting and aching as I grew old

Looking at the golden years I said this is fools gold

I had my 84th birthday, the final celebration of my birth

A day filled with presents, cake, and the best cookies on this earth

Most of all the blessing of a surprise dinner with people that I love.

Not knowing it was my last birthday it was truly a gift from above

This is the night I will go to sleep and never will I wake

Sleeping through the day my last breath I did take.

I know you all are crying because how much you care

Look close inside your heart because I will always live there

By Lois E McGinnis

Barbara Ellen (Flanders) Olin, age 84, of Phoenix, Arizona entered into heaven on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, just days after her son. Barbara was born in Globe, Arizona on January 11, 1939 to John B. and Roberta Helen (Ivy) Lawson.

A memorial service for Barbara will be held Monday, February 27, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 2719 - Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Maryvale, 6901 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85033.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageMaryvale.com for the Flanders-Olin family.