Dorothy Olsen

Dorothy Eleanor Olsen

1916 - 2019

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Dorothy

Obituary of Dorothy Eleanor Olsen

In Loving Memory

Dorothy Kocher Olsen

 

Dorothy passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Tuesday July 23rd 2019.  She was born on July 10th 1916 in Woodburn, Oregon. 

Grew up on the family farm Dorothy found a fascination with flying after reading The Red Knight of Germany.  She joined the Woodburn Flying Club at age 28 with a private pilot license that she has earned while teaching dance lessons-tap and ballet.  When WWII started she joined and served as a WASP(Women Airforce Service Pilots) pilot stationed in Long Beach Army Air Base, CA.  During her service as a Ferry Pilot she flew 22 different aircraft from B-17s to P-51s.  Her favorites were the P-38s and P-51s.  In 2009 Dorothy was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award in the U.S.  

After the war she married Harold W. Olsen, a Washington State trooper and settled in University Place, Wa.  They had and raised two children, son Kim and daughter Julie.  She opened and operated an antique shop in Lakewood, Wa successfully for 30 years.  

Her love of flying and the need for speed has landed her a speeding ticket in her 65 poppy orange Mustang.  Besides flying and spending time with family she also had so much love for animals and gardening.   In her later years she spent a lot of time gardening and sitting in the sun with her dog.  A fighter to the end and has always lived her life to the fullest.  She will be greatly missed.

Dorothy is survived by 

Son Kim Eric Olsen

Daughter Julie Ann Stranburg

Son in law Clifford Stranburg

Grandson Robert Warren George

Granddaughter in law Chanly George

Great grandson Cody Alexander George

 

A Funeral Mass will be held at

Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in the Chapel

7112 S 12th Street

Tacoma, WA 98465

9:00 AM  Monday, July 29th 2019

 

Interment to immediately follow at

Calvary Cemetery

5212 S 70th Street

Tacoma, WA 98467

 

A Private wake for friends and family will be held at our residence after interment

1711 S 373rd Place

Federal Way, WA 98003