Esther T. Olson

Esther was born in Svennevik, Norway to Tonnes Gustav and Enny Theodora Tonnesen. She grew up by the ocean on a small farm with cows, sheep and chickens. In 1950 at age 19, she traveled by herself to America by ship. She lived in Manhattan and worked for designer Hattie Carnegie and the New York Telephone company.

She met her beloved husband Ted of 62 years at the Lorelie Club dancehall in New York City. She had an amazing, long life with Ted, raising three daughters, and traveling the world. She dedicated her life to caring for her family. Known as “Besti” to her grandchildren, she was an expert baker who made delicious cakes, pies and cookies. She loved Norwegian and German music, dancing, and her afternoon coffee and cake. She had a deep faith in God and was a member of the State College Presbyterian Church.

Esther is survived by three daughters; Linda Fisher (Barry) of Atlanta, GA, Erica (Tom) Nodell of State College, and Kristine (Dave) Holmes of Tullahoma, TN, and six grandchildren; Emily Fisher, Taylor, Connor and Kristen Nodell, and Bradley and Grace Lee Holmes; and brother, Haakon Tonnesen.

Interment will be in Volusia Memorial Park, Ormond Beach, FL on October 5, 2024. Special thanks to everyone at Mount Nittany Medical Center for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the charity of your choice.