Dorothy J. Olsen

Dorothy J. (Dottie) Olsen passed away March 8, 2017. She was born in Queens Village, New York, to Alfred and Elizabeth (Lillie) Johnston. She played basketball in high school and worked at her parent’s service station. She worked for Prudential Insurance in New York City until she married George Olsen. They married on a Saturday in May, took the train to Jacksonville, FL on Saturday night and both started work at the Gator Bowl Association on Monday morning. She described her life with George as the “longest honeymoon ever”. Dottie left the Gator Bowl job to raise their two children. Her car was the “bus” for Community Presbyterian Church’s kindergarten while her children attended. In addition to being SuperMom, she was a den mother for her son’s Cub Scout pack, active in the PTA at Atlantic Beach Elementary school and volunteered at Beaches Hospital. She was a founding member of Selva Marina Country Club where she learned to play golf. She returned to work at the Gator Bowl when the children were grown and enjoyed travelling with George and keeping in touch with the college football/bowl family. She was an active member of Palms Presbyterian Church, the Presbyterian Women’s organization and Church Women United. She was the unofficial first friend to many church visitors and new members. After retirement, she and George enjoyed travelling, playing golf and volunteering at their church. Her favorite time was reading to the Palms preschool children every week until her eyesight failed. She showed great courage facing many health issues towards the end of her life. She loved well and was well loved.

Dottie requested that her obituary include thanks to her family, friends, neighbors, Gator Bowl staff/volunteers and their spouses, and all her doctors, nurses and therapists (esp. the Mayo Apheresis team. ) A special thanks to her loving caregivers who made it possible for her to spend most of her last year in the comfort of her own home.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her sister, Maureen Thorwart, sister in law, Jean Olsen and her husband of 59 years, George R. Olsen. She is survived by her children, Georgia O’Daniel (Alex) and his sister Betsy, George Olsen (Mamita); grandchildren, Jeff Olsen (Kori) and Kevin Olsen and great grandchild, Genevieve Dorothy Olsen. She is also survived by a sister in law, Helen Downs and many nieces and nephews: Jonathan Downs (Pam) and their son Jared, Carl Thorwart (Jan), Laura Downs, Leslie Downs, Kathy Burge (Ron), Diane Karstedt (Gary), Barney Thorwart (Hope) and their children London and Emily.

A memorial service will be held on March 25 at 11 am at Palms Presbyterian Church, 3410 Third Street South, Jacksonville Beach, 32250. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Dial a Ride 218 19th Ave S, Jax Beach, FL 32250 or Palms Presbyterian Music Program. Arrangements are the direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL.