Obituary

On Tuesday December 6, 2022, Janice Arleine Olson took her last breath with her family at her bedside.

She was born May 8, 1935 to Bus and Melva Borkman, in Burbank, CA. As a child she enjoyed spending time with her many aunts, uncles, and cousins. As a young woman, she worked at Librascope, where she made friends that she kept throughout her life.

In her late 20s Janice was encouraged to write into a church magazine that offered matchmaking. She was set-up on a blind date with Harold Olson. They married in 1962.

They lived in Glendale, CA; until their first child was born and then moved to Covina, CA where they bought their first house together. They had three children, many adventures together and 50 years of marriage when Harold passed away in 2012.

She worked for Charter Oak High School in Covina until she retired in 1997, becoming a full time grandma.

She lived for every moment. Her schedule was always full with shows, concerts, exercise class, sewing group, lunch, shopping; all done with her close friends and family. She was very gregarious and had many friends from all facets of her life.

She was a huge Arizona Diamondbacks fan and attended many games with her brother Gary. If she wasn’t at the game, she would watch it on television, and if that wasn’t possible, she would get highlights on her phone. And while doing that, she’d be working on her current counted cross stitch project.

She was actively involved with her church. Counting the money for them on Mondays.

During her lifetime she enjoyed traveling and was able to see much of the United States, with Hawaii being her favorite. She also went to Europe and South America.

Family was very important to her. She was the glue that kept it together. She tackled every challenge that arose and was generous with her time and money. She loved having her family around and would often have them for dinner and over for special occasions; getting out the silver even if paper plates were used.

Janice loved and cared about everyone in her life. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her children: Bruce (Anne) Olson, Dale Olson, Sheryl (Robert) Ochoa; her six grandchildren; Anthony, Brittney, Alicia, Samantha, Jessica and Logan; and her brother, Gary.

A memorial service will be held at West Valley Center for Spiritual Living on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 2 p.m. Reverend Karen Rice officiating.

West Valley Center for Spiritual Living
9745 W. Peoria Ave.
Peoria, AZ
wvcsl.com