Catherine Jeanne Olsen

Catherine Jeanne Olsen was welcomed into the world by Gary Gene Blake and Claire Helen Herring, the second of eight children. She was always grateful to both her father who taught her how to cook and her grandma Sally who gave her her love of gardening.

She attended both Snohomish High and Everett High Schools and graduating class of ’74. After graduating from high school she worked in a variety of food service and hospitality positions. She was a gregarious person and was popular with those she served.

Catherine was an adventurous soul and moved to Juneau, Alaska for a time, looking for a fresh start. She spent time there just working and playing, and exploring what that area had to offer. But, a Washingtonian at heart, she soon returned to the Lower 48.

Several years after after she returned, she reconnected with her friend from high school, Scott Olsen. They married in 1987 and were the proud parents of Chris and Lindsay. Catherine hated to fly, so family vacations were usually spent locally, camping in the mountains and by the beach. Catherine was renowned for her cooking. She made the best fried chicken this side of Dixie and could be relied on for the best deviled eggs or greatest potato salad at the party. Although they later divorced, Scott and Catherine maintained a strong friendship that persisted throughout the years, even to the point where she would still go to his house to visit, tend to his garden and plants, cook for him, and even clean house.

Catherine discovered an aptitude for mechanics and began a 20-year career at Boeing. After she was hired at Boeing she dealt with their furloughs and lay offs by driving for the school bus system, and as an aide for disabled adults. She and her clients always enjoyed the friendships they developed. When Boeing was ready to rehire, she always got back on board there.

Catherine loved eastern Washington and Scott loved music, so you could often find them at the Gorge, especially if Dave Matthews was playing. She appreciated the Gorge’s beauty and always found it very peaceful. She especially loved the trip over and back because she could stop along the way and get peaches fresh from the orchards.

Catherine had a competitive streak too. She played a fierce game of softball and pool; and was practically unbeatable at foosball. She was a big fan of Tiger Woods, and the only time she would watch golf was if Tiger was playing. She also cheered on the Seahawks. She was just as fierce a competitor when playing bingo and she enjoyed the excitement and color of the casinos.

When she had time just for herself, you might find her in her garden. She loved gardening, especially roses and berries. But, she was perennially frustrated because she just couldn’t figure out broccoli or corn. If the rain kept her out of the garden, you might find her listening to some classic radio programs, especially the detective and mystery programs like Johnny Dollar and Richard Diamomd.

The birth of her grandchildren opened a whole new chapter in her life. More than her generous laughter and love of life she enjoyed being silly with the grandkids. During her three-year battle with pancreatic cancer, all it took was a visit with the kids to make her laugh. She happily babysat up until just two months before she passed. Her joy at spending time with them kept her going. The grands loved her. They always knew that somewhere in one of her pockets would be some Starbursts or other candy that she would happily share.

Catherine lived with her sister Jan the last several years of her life and the family will be forever grateful for her big sister’s care during her battle with cancer.

She left us with a special legacy- an attitude of never complain and never give up!