Louise A. Olsen

(Age 100)

Passed away at home on March 10, 2011 in Spokane, Washington. She was born May 26, 1910 near Velva, North Dakota to Ole and Laura Sollid. She lived in Spokane all her life, ushering in the automobile, both world wars, as well as the best of times.

Louise was treasured beyond words. Not a day would go by that she wouldn’t thank her care providers for the simplest service provided. She was all smiles and a pleasure to be around, never complaining what the day projected at her; she refused any medications all her life down to even an aspirin for a headache. Louise married John Olsen. The couple had no children but surrounded themselves with numerous nieces and nephews who more than made up an extended family.

Louise’s first job was at a small grocery and bakery where she met John. She later worked for Lincoln Federal Bank, (which became Lincoln Mutual Bank and finally Washington Mutual Bank) in the position of restaurant manager, working for 20 years before her retirement in 1975.

John and Louise in their early years of marriage shared a furnished box car for living quarters while John was out on the job working for the railroad. While in these quarters Louise would cook and bake for the railroad crew. She loved to cook and making Norwegian delicacies was her favorite, including Lefsa and Lutefisk. She was a specialist at having to make Norwegian cookies her friends and relatives idolized. They enjoyed traveling to California and an extended trip to Norway to visit relatives living there. As a couple they also belonged to a Norwegian dance troupe that performed at civic groups and for club activities.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband, John Olsen; her parents, Ole and Laura Sollid; and five siblings, Anna Markuson, Pearl Sollid, Ole Sollid, Laura Olson and Ethel Leyde. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 17, 2011 in the Alwin Chapel at Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, 1306 N. Monroe St. Interment will follow at Greenwood Memorial Terrace.

We all love you Louise. God bless you and rest in peace. The family wishes to thank Northpointe and Hospice of Spokane.