Joan Olson

Joan Wyckoff Olson passed away October 31st at Thermopolis Rehabilitation and Wellness in Thermopolis, Wyoming.

Born September 1, 1934 in White Plains, New York, to parents John Bertram and Helen Monk Wyckoff, Joan was joined three years later by sister Carolyn (‘Deb’). She graduated from Katonah High School in 1952, then completed a Bachelor of Arts in 1956 at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Following graduation, she worked as a kindergarten teacher in her hometown of Katonah, New York. Joan later in life returned to study to complete a Master of Science at Central Connecticut State College in 1975.

Joan met her husband to be, Leon Spencer Olson, while he was on furlough from the Marines. They knew they were a good match and married in 1957. While Lee was serving in the Marines in California, son Krister Jon was born in 1958. After discharge the young family moved to Mount Kisco, New York where second son Eric Alan was born in 1959. Karen Lea arrived in 1961 when the family were living in Norwalk, Connecticut. The family in subsequent homes in New York and Connecticut before settling in Canton, Connecticut in 1969, where Joan and Lee lived until 1999. She worked as an elementary school teacher until they could realise their retirement dream of moving to the vast frontier of Wyoming. After purchasing land on Missouri Breaks Lane, Thermopolis they built a beautiful home and lived with their Labrador retrievers.

Joan loved her life in Thermopolis. She became involved at Community Federation Church.  Joan enjoyed quilting and spent many happy hours sewing in the company of friends at The Stitchery. She knit countless prayer shawls, given to those needing comfort. Having a sizable property, Joan followed her dogs up and down escarpments, relishing views of the mountains. From her porch she enjoyed sunsets and spent many hours passing time with birds visiting her always stocked feeders. Joan loved wildlife and willingly shared birdseed with mule deer that made their way down the canyon.

Joan is survived by her son Krister (partner Donna), daughter Karen Olson Osborne (husband Chris), her grandchildren Meghan Beth Osborne (partner Anthony) and Tyler William Osborne (fiancé Joanna). Joan was predeceased by her parents, her sister, her husband and her second son Eric Alan.

Joan’s wishes for disposal of her cremains will be respected by her remaining children. No service is planned. 

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