Karyn Michele Olson

Karyn Michele (Case) Olson was born March 3, 1965 in Eugene, Oregon. She was pleased to have reached her 50th birthday after a ferocious battle with triple-negative breast cancer. She died comfortably at home in Saint Johns, Florida, surrounded by her family and friends. Karyn spent her youth in Pleasant Hill, Oregon, and when she married David Olson in 1989, began traveling with him as his career rose with UP and then CSX Railroad. Karyn lived life with a joy and energy unmatched by few. She discovered a lifelong interest in photography which led her to opening her own business for a time. She attained the position of Internal Auditor of Gymboree Department Stores and worked there until her two boys came along. She mentored three teams of Lego League competitors, guiding two of them to state championships in Nebraska. She had a heart for others and began a helping-hand outreach for families of prison inmates in Rawlins, Wyoming. She exceled in planning parties and surprises for everyone around her. She loved her family and friends fiercely. She endured her illness with a grace and good humor that inspired all who knew her. It was just the thought of leaving those she loved that was so hard for her to bear. Karyn is survived by her loving husband, David, and two sons, Devin and Drew, of Saint Johns, Florida; her parents, Ronald and Susan Case, of Pleasant Hill, Oregon; a sister, Karrely, of Veneta, Oregon; a brother, Chris Case, of Portland, Oregon; and a maternal grandmother, Martha Jason, of Springfield, Oregon. A celebration of Karyn’s life will be held Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 1:00pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, Karyn and David wish to direct your attention to the Memories of Love Foundation. This amazing group provides families afflicted with life-threatening illness with children under age sixteen, to a five-night six-day trip to Orlando, Florida at no cost to the family. The Olson’s were able to take advantage of this precious gift and are thankful for anything you could send so other stricken families may be benefitted as well. info@memoriesoflove.org Karyn’s faith in a loving God and the hope of the resurrection gave her strength until the last. She believed that everything will be okay in the end; if it isn’t okay, it isn’t the end. Karyn read the Book, and It does have a happy ending.