Patricia Ann Olson

When Pat was a young woman, she met Delmar Floyd Olson, who she married shortly thereafter on December 27, 1954 in Vancouver, Washington, when Delmar was on leave from the Navy. They established a life together in Gresham, Oregon, where they raised their four children and many wiener dogs.

Home was everything to Pat, and she excelled at creating the ultimate sanctuary for her family and friends. Cozy and welcoming, Pat’s home was almost always buzzing with activity and visitors, whether her kids, grandkids, neighbors, extended family, or friends. She created a place of refuge for those who needed it, a place of gathering and celebration, a place to make small talk, and a place to share big news. It was a place to enjoy holidays, birthdays, and reunions. A place to recover from injury and sickness. A place full of comfort and love. More than anything, it was a place to make and share memories.

Family was Pat’s greatest joy, which she never let anyone forget. She knew a million ways to say I love you. Food was one. Pat was an exceptional cook and baker; she enjoyed sharing her talents and could often be found preparing someone’s favorite dish or dessert, no matter how tricky it was. She loved to see her kids and grandkids happy, and sometimes I love you was said by letting her kids play hooky from school, or having her grandkids sleep over so they could stay up way past their bedtime to watch their favorite TV shows. Other times I love you was listening without judgement to the joys and struggles her family shared with her. I love you was visible in the garments she sewed for her children, it could be heard in her laugh, could be felt in the decades of marriage to her one and only, Delmar.

Pat also deeply loved her yard and garden, which was always blooming with bright and cheery flowers, and home to squirrels, butterflies, and her favorite, hummingbirds. She lived for a warm sunny day and took great pride in the serene beauty of her backyard.

Pat was always the first to lend a helping hand to not just her family, but her neighbors and friends as well. Stoic, patient, attentive, kind, and welcoming, Pat will be remembered most for the love and warmth she shared with others, her delight in a good story, her unwavering trust in a better tomorrow, and her gentle but persistent pushes to let the past stay in the past and help those she loved find peace and happiness.

Pat is survived by: daughter Diane Riddell and husband John; daughter Janet Kilgore and husband Jerry; son John Olson; son Mike Olson and wife Rebecca; and seven grandchildren, Lindsay Dekter, Kevin Riddell, Evan and Brett Olson, Hanna and Gunnar Olson, and Briley Kilgore. She is also survived by her sisters, Virginia Tipton and Nadine Phillips. Preceding her in death are her loving husband, Delmar Olson; her parents, John and Stella Wilson; and her sister, Ruth Wilson.

The family is forever grateful to Pat’s caregivers, Mafi Langi, Tulip Tuitavake, and Vika Hoeft, for all they did to provide comfort, love, and companionship. They would also like to thank Legacy Hospice for all the support they provided.

A Graveside Service for Patricia will be held Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd, Portland, OR 97086.

Serving as pallbearers are John Olson, Gunner Olson, Mike Olson, Brett Olson, Evan Olson, John Riddell and Jerry Kilgore.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.batemancarrollfunerals.com for the Olson family.