Joyce Olson

Joyce Martha Olson, age 89, passed away on January 5, 2014 in Bridgman, Michigan.

Joyce, known to all as “Jo”, was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. The third of five children, she was born on September 18, 1925 in Muskegon, Michigan. Her parents, Herman and Lottie (Peterson) Ericksen, raised their family on a dairy farm. Following her graduation from North Muskegon High School in l944, Joyce received her RN degree from Hackley Hospital School of Nursing on September 24, 1950. She took great pride in her profession, maintaining a lifelong devotion to the practice of nursing. Joyce married Jack Conrad Olson on September 1, 1950, and together they raised their family in North Muskegon, MI. Upon retirement, the Olsons had a wonderful time traveling the country and later relocated to St. Augustine, Florida. In 2006 they moved to Bridgman, Michigan.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 61 years, niece Julie, nephews Randall and Kenneth, and brother Homer.

She is survived by her son Jack, grandchildren Jack and Lily, and their mother Michelle (Chicago); her daughter Sheryl, son-in-law Jerome, and granddaughter Sian (Ann Arbor); her sisters Marva, Norma and brother Lewis; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Joyce had a joyful and generous spirit. Her many passions included cooking, baking, rose gardening, the music of Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday, and above all, spending time with her family and friends. She will always live in the hearts and minds of those who loved her.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on June 1, commencing at noon, at the Lakeside Inn in Lakeside, Michigan.