Gloria Lewis Olsen

Gloria Lewis Olsen, 96, departed this life on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at her residence on St. Simons Island. A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 am on February 16, 2023 at Christ Church Cemetery on St. Simons Island with Pastor Kathleen Yates officiating.

Born May 4, 1926 in Arctic, Rhode Island to the late Dexter L. Lewis and Madeline Baker Lewis, she was a graduate of Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in New York City. Following her graduation, Gloria continued living in Manhattan while studying under voice instructor, Alfredo Martino. Having known the Olsen family of St. Simons since 14 years of age, she left the city to accept a marriage proposal from Olaf H. Olsen, Jr. They were married at St. James Lutheran Church on March 5, 1949. She and her husband “Bubber” made an indelible mark on St. Simons and along the entire eastern waterway. With her secretarial skills and Olaf’s Norwegian seafaring heritage, Olsen’s Yacht Yard was born in 1949. It still exist today under the name of Morning Star Marina.

Throughout her life Gloria would modestly excel in fulfilling the varied needs of others. This showed in her different types of accomplishments, from social to charitable. Her deeds were always executed quietly and with a humble, loving heart. Her actions were blessed with a grace that enabled even the hardest heart to receive a taste of God’s love. To her husband, daughters, and all who knew her, she was a cherished soul to *emulate. Though Gloria never wanted recognition, she should be honored with the listing of an interesting few. The first would be her almost 75 year membership at St. James Lutheran Church in Brunswick. It was there she would tirelessly serve in many capacities until the recent years. It was there she would be strengthened to also serve outside its walls. Gloria co-founded the St. Simons Cotillion in 1954. Following more achievements, she was crowned the 1956 Woman of the Year. It was an honor that could have been repeated several times during her life. Being the area’s vocalist for decades, she was also the voice for world renown harpist and Sea Island resident, Artiss de Volt Zacharias. Singing beside her three harpist daughters during Ms. Zacharias’ annual Sea Island Harp Festival was a highlight in her life. From her beloved church to the era’s local radio station, Gloria’s angelic soprano voice ministered to countless people. Her constant awareness to help where needed led her to the local Speech and Hearing Center (SHARE) in the seventies. There she would spend several years as a much needed volunteer and board member. Until her passing, she maintained a true “servant’s heart”. Gloria Lewis Olsen made many footprints in the St. Simons sand over her lifetime. No tide can wash them away.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Olsen is preceded in death by her husband, Olaf H. Olsen, Jr. and her daughter, Sharon. Survivors include two daughters, Karen Olsen Cate (Henry) and Sonja Lewis Olsen Rogers (Ken), three grandchildren, Henry Vassa Cate III (Adrian), William Mackay Cate (Casey), and Lewis Olsen Rogers, six great grandchildren, Henry Vassa Cate IV, Wilder Cate, Granger Cate, Copeland Cate, Mackay Cate, and Cannon Cate.

Those desiring may make memorials to Coastal Hospice of Georgia, St. James Lutheran Church of Brunswick, or the donor charity of choice. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in entrusted with arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com