Dorothy Olsen
Mystic — Dorothy “Dot” M. Olsen, 90, of Mystic passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at Avalon Nursing Center at StoneRidge, after a brief illness.
Dot was born on Oct. 20, 1926, in Lynn, Mass., the daughter of the late Carl and Marion (Williams) Graham. After graduating from high school, she worked in the accounts payable department of GE before she met the love of her life, Bob Olsen, in 1946 while he was on leave from the Navy. They married on Sept. 17, 1949. Dorothy’s support of her husband’s Naval career was unwavering, requiring frequent moves and overseeing the home front, raising five children. Dot and Bob’s travels took them to naval assignments in Massachusetts, San Diego, Calif., Corpus Christi, Texas, Panama, Maryland, New York and finishing their Navy life after 26 years on a small Navy Airstrip in Charlestown, R.I., that we now know as Ninigret Park.
Dorothy was always willing to help, whether it was helping sailors and their families establish budgets as a Navy Relief volunteer or coordinating church activities. Dot was the president and treasurer of the Episcopal Church Women’s Group at St. Elizabeth Church, in addition to being a Sunday school teacher for many years. Dot was a great bridge player, coordinating Wednesday and Thursday evening bridge at the Westerly Senior Center for many years. Ultimately, Dot and Bob settled at StoneRidge in Mystic, where Dot’s bridge prowess continued.
Dot was predeceased by Bob in 2012 and remained a StoneRidge resident until her passing.
Dot is survived by her five children, daughter Linda and husband Rudy Sherych of Lakeside, Ore., their children, Jennifer and husband Tom Harlow and Jessica Sherych; son Robert and wife Linda Olsen of Burley, Idaho, their children, Christina and Robbie Olsen; son Gary and wife Doris Olsen of Providence, R.I.; daughter Donna Brown of Gales Ferry, her sons, Jesse and Ryan (wife Danielle); and daughter Debra and husband Everett Wilhelm of Mystic, their children, Roslin and Cameron; and seven great-grandchildren.
At the end of the day she will be remembered as a strong-willed, capable lady who had a strong love of family and country. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
Her family will greet relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 3, at the S.R. Avery Funeral Home, 3A Bank St., Hope Valley, R.I. A memorial service/celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, at St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church, 63 Canonchet Road, Hope Valley, R.I. with burial to follow at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter, R.I.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Church in Canonchet, R.I.
For online condolences, please visit www.averyfuneralhome.com.