Judith Lynn Olson

Judith "Judy" Lynn Olson, 83, passed away peacefully on December 23 in Fishers, Indiana, after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Judy is survived by her brother, Brent Brown (Barb); her husband of 56 years, David Olson; her sons, Jeff (Angela) Olson and Todd (Sharon) Olson; and her grandchildren, Davis Olson and Russell Olson.

Born on August 11, 1940, in Elkhart, Indiana, Judy was the daughter of John and Nadine Brown. From an early age, she showed a love of learning, dance, and science—interests that shaped both her education and her career. She graduated from Elkhart High School in 1960, earned a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University in 1964, and completed her master’s degree in biology at the University of Michigan.

Shortly after graduating from college, Judy met her future husband, David Olson. They were married on February 4, 1967, and shared a life filled with family, travel, and summers at Birch Lake in Vandalia, Michigan, where they eventually built their retirement home. Together, they raised two sons, Jeff and Todd, and created a home grounded in activity, curiosity, learning, and love.

Education was central to Judy’s professional life. She taught at both the high school and college levels, sharing her knowledge and encouraging lifelong learning. In the early 1980s, she founded J-Tours, organizing private city tours of Michiana for business related recruiting. Her final professional chapter was as co-owner of Printer’s Press in Mishawaka, Indiana, where she managed the financial operations of the business.

Judy was deeply committed to community service. In the Michiana area, she served as a member and past president of both the St. Joseph County Parks Board and the Potawatomi Zoo Board, was active in the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce, and was a longtime member and elder of Sunnyside Presbyterian Church in South Bend. She also served on the board of the YWCA in Mishawaka.

In 2013, Judy and Dave relocated to Candler, North Carolina, to be closer to the mountains they loved. There, they volunteered at the North Carolina Arboretum and with Haywood Street Congregation, serving meals to those in need.

Throughout her life, Judy believed deeply in learning, service, and community. She gave generously of her time and leadership and will be remembered for her intelligence, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and the communities she served.