Jean Francis Olson was born June 22, 1920 in Valley City, ND. Her parents were Josephine Johnson and Christ Olson, immigrants to the US from Stravanger and Bergen, Norway. She was the youngest sibling, and was preceded in death by her adored sister, Martha (Ball), and brothers Clarence and Otto Olson.
Jean was an RN, she trained and worked in Chicago, then joined the military as an Army Nurse during WWII, stationed in Europe. She was especially proud of her participation at Normandy, and the liberation of France. Shortly after the war she met Keith L. Nordlund, and spent 55 years enjoying a very full life together.
She truly missed everyday her life partner, Keith, following his death in 2001, having shared so many active and valuable years together. Her resilience, loyalty and outgoing nature were called upon often as a military wife, mother of four children. Through all life’s multiple changes, travels and adventures, she retained a positive spirit, and she always managed to find a good time.
She enjoyed dancing, swimming, bridge, the beach, friends and family throughout her life. Later in her work life Jean returned to nursing, spending her last 15 years at the Group Health Northgate clinic. During this time she and Keith moved to Mariners Cove on Whidbey Island, where they commuted to Seattle for several years, until they purchased a sailboat they could live on in Seattle.
They spent their weekends at home on the Beach. Their wooden boat was docked at Gas Works Park, sharing an awesome time with other sailboat enthusiasts, going to dinner and the opera, Husky games, swimming and dancing at the Elks, visiting friends and family. They retired together in 1983, and sailed their boat back to Whidbey Island.
Winters were often spent at Pismo Beach in CA, or on trips to Hawaii. The Midwest, where her extended family lives, was anther frequent vacation spot. Driving across the US was favored to flying.
At 86 Jean finally decided to move to a retirement community where she could once again engage in activities with her peers, and be closer to family in Seattle. She moved into the Lakeshore in 2006. Jean is survived by her 3 sons Keith L. II, of WA Christopher A. , and Eric F. Nordlund ( Eric’s family Shiela, Conner, and Isabella.
) of CA. Her daughter Helen J. and family, Pete Sikov, of WA her beloved granddaughter, Danielle M. Sikov and great granddaughter Samantha J. In NY. Over the years her nieces Carol Pinke, Myrna Ball, Vicki McPherson, and their families in N and S Dakota have remained attentive, and Jean always looked forward to their visits and correspondence.
Many thanks to our friends and family who have been present, kind, and thoughtful especially these past few years. Jean died May, 13, 2019, just a month shy of her 99th B-day. There are fond memories each of us have to celebrate her life.
She remained positive and courageous until her journey here ended. Mom had expressed wishes for a simple military burial, with honors send off at Tahoma National Cemetery. In keeping with her wishes this has been scheduled for May 28, at 10 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to MEET Mental Health/Social Work or the Kaiser Dementia Palliative Care Team in care of Emmick Funeral Home.
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