Mother, musician, writer, and educator Heidi Olson passed away surrounded by family in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at the age of 74 (1947-2022). She was raised in San Bernardino, California and graduated from BYU with a bachelor’s degree in both Secondary and Elementary Education, and double minors in History and German. She taught elementary school in Duchesne and Provo, Utah for a short time and dreamed of delaying marriage and pursuing worldwide learning and travel. Her plans changed when she met Chris and realized that, as she put it, "real progression happens in a family." In 1973 she married A. Christopher Olson in the Saint George, Utah LDS temple.
Her eight children were her life. She was the co-founder and leader of the national champion Olson Family Fiddlers who were famous for performing at nursing homes, county fairs, square dances, and even the occasional grocery store in the Pacific Northwest. Heidi was a lifelong devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served a mission in Vienna, Austria from 1968-70 and in countless church callings throughout her life. Later in life she got a master’s degree in English as a second language from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and taught at Eastern Washington University. She had a love for her international students and a deep appreciation for their many different cultures.
In the last hours of her life, as she smiled while listening to her two oldest boys (Andy and Nate) playing old-time fiddle tunes on fiddle and guitar, she said "I wanted to make something of our family", and "you guys, we did it.” Heidi is survived by her husband of 48 years, A. Christopher Olson, and her children: Andrew (Kacey), Nathaniel (Morgan), Bartlett (Erin), Elizabeth (Zach Cazier), Kierstin, Analee (Tyler Byers), Jeffrey "Duffy" (Tessa), and MacKay (Rebecca).
The family will try to live up to two of her favorite phrases: “Remember who you are, remember who you stand for”, and “if you have the capability of helping someone, how do you say no?”
In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Providence Inland Northwest Foundation - Children’s Health
https://give.providence.org/ewash/Childrens-Health
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, Jan 29 at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City, with a viewing one hour prior. Friends and family may watch the recorded service by clicking on "Watch Services" above.
Nate and Morgan, Mark and I are very saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. What a blessing and inspiration she has been for your family and her influence will live on in you. We are sending our sincere thoughts and prayers to you.
Kierstin, I'm so sorry for your loss. What a lovely and accomplished woman who clearly left a lasting legacy. You are blessed to have her as your mother. My heart and prayers are with you and your family during this time. May you feel her near, watching over you all.
Dear Chris?
Barbara and I are so sorry, especially that we didn’t know Heidi was sick. Our love and prayers are with you and your family. You need to know, those days growing up on the farm were a salvation for me. We should talk soon.
Love, Doug and Barbara Olson
We are sending our love to Chris and all the family. We hope you can find comfort and peace as you mourn the passing of Heidi. Thankful that our Savior is there ready to help us through these tough times. ❤️ John and Lisa Erickson
Dear Chris and children,
Mary and are are deeply sorry for your loss. Heidi was a delight to have as a neighbor and friend.
With love,
Ryan & Mary Englund
Sending sincere condolences on the sad passing of your wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Heidi’s main concern during our years of friendship was struggling to do more for her beloved family. May God comfort and bless you all now and in the future. Gayle Valantine
Our condolences, fond memories of Heidi she touched our lives, best wishes to Chris and families at this time
Heidi, you will be missed! Your legacy of exceptional, musical, and talented children lives on. Thank you for being part of my life.
Heidi,
"Thanks for the memories..." as the song says. We had so much fun being Visiting Teaching companions. Love to your family.
RIP.
To Chris and all the family: I was shocked to see that Heidi had passed. My heart goes out to all of you. I really enjoyed talking and spending time with her! A lot of memories with her and the whole family. May you have comfort in knowing she is in heaven and will be there to welcome you all home when the time comes. All my love, Karen💕
I looked up to Heidi for her love of family, sharp intelligence, quick laugh, willingness to be real, and her faith and devotion to the Savior. She truly is a role model to me and I will miss her! So grateful her legacy lives on through her eight above average children. My heartfelt condolences to Chris and the Olsen children and grandchildren.
So sorry to hear of Heidi's passing. She was a rare soul, that's for sure. An incredible person, an amazing teacher, admirable on so many fronts. All my condolences on your loss. She will surely be missed.
I am heartbroken at Heidi’s passing. Truly one of the greatest women who ever lived. She was one of the smartest women I have ever known and at the top of my list of role models. I knew about her from the Hainsworth family. They all loved her and Jason loved all the Olson kids. Upon meeting Heidi I immediately knew why. She knew how to keep things real before keeping things real was a thing. When we moved into 6th ward I was just beginning to raise my family and Heidi was just finishing up. I looked to her as the wisest mother I knew and wanted to be just like her. When the Olson kids would come home for Christmas and other visits I would think to myself, “I want a family like that.” We had six kids in 8 years—I couldn’t quite do the 8 in ten but it was close enough. In late 2012 I was near the end of serving as a Relief Society president. Heidi was no longer in my ward but she was the first person I thought of as a speaker for our Relief Society retreat. I’ll never forget her talk. Part of it was a Mother’s Day letter she had written about her journey through motherhood. And true to form she kept it real. It was as if she knew my soul and her sharing that letter brought comfort to me and everyone else in attendance. I still have the letter and just read it again in honor of Heidi. I’m so glad I knew her and was influenced by her.
I never had the privilege of meeting Heidi but I know the wonderful son she raised. Nate became like my son while he was teaching some of my children. We enjoyed having him in our home and I always thought he must have amazing parents. It’s so hard to lose a mother and wife but I hope you will find happiness in the memories of her and peace in the possibilities of eternity. Love you, Nate!
Lisa Bradshaw
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Olson family. Heidi, a one of a kind, was liked, loved and cherished by all that met her, and quietly made a difference in our lives. You could tell she knew she touched us by the smile she gave us and the warm all-embracing hugs. Her legacy will live on through her family and all the lives she touched. We will hold you all in our hearts.
Olson Family,
My condolences on the passing of your mother. I am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. You and your family are in my heart and mind during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Denise
It is with a heavy heart that I read of Heidi's passing recently. But oh, the joy, of heaven and no more pain!!!! I love Heidi and the entire Olson family and want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you come to accept a life here on earth without Heidi in it!!! Hugs to you all!
Love,
Marilyn and David Amato
Chris and family, it makes me very sad to read of Heidi's passing. She was a wonderful and fun person to know. The world will be a lot less interesting without her in it.