Jessie Geraldine "Jerry" Olson died Sunday, March 26, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 97.
Jerry was born May 12, 1919 in Montpelier, Idaho to Edgar Thurman Williams and Estella LaVon Mani. She was the eldest of three daughters, Sergene Zimmerman, who survives her and Lois Carter (deceased 2016).
Her family and extended family moved to Van Nuys, CA at the beginning of the great depression seeking work and a better life. She graduated from Van Nuys High School in 1937 and continued her education at Woodbury College for bookkeeping and secretarial studies.
She went to work for the Olson Brothers Egg Company in Los Angeles where she would meet and eventually marry H. Glenn Olson on Sept. 1, 1943 in Glendale, California. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Laie Hawaii Temple. They were blessed with 5 children who survive them: Richard Olson (Bonnie), Christena Gates (John), Shelley Green (Larry), Becky Young (David) and Nancy Davis (Thompson). Their progeny continues with 15 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.
Jerry was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and made a great impact on her community through numerous positions. She was a typist for many years in the Los Angeles Temple alongside Glenn who served as a sealer. She was also very civically involved, holding volunteer positions with the California State PTA, National Charity League, Needlework Guild, and the New Horizons School.
Jerry and Glenn were known for their generosity and love for each other. They had many friends from all walks of life. They loved to travel and spent many years enjoying their retirement as snowbirds in Salt Lake and Palm Springs, California before Glenn's passing in March 2002. In her later years, Jerry delighted in her visits with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 3rd at 11 a.m. at the Federal Heights Ward Building at 1300 Fairfax Road. Family and friends may visit prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park at 3401 S. Highland Drive.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Christena L. Olson Nursing Scholarship Fund c/o University of Utah College of Nursing, 10 South 2000 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112.
