Mildred Olson of Southampton died at her home home on Hutchinson Island, Florida, surrounded by family and caregivers, on February 23, 2019. She was 93.
Born in Brooklyn, Ms. Olson was the daughter of Lithuanian immigrants. Survivors said she was a svelte and elegant beauty as a young woman working at Montgomery Ward. Her best friend, Grace Dempsey, loved to recall that “the guys almost fell off their chairs trying to catch a glimpse of her as she walked by.” She was also a gifted dancer and she and her husband, John, made an elegant pair on the dance floor.
She was a lifelong learner, with a passion for literature, art and crafts. She was an accomplished stained glass and mosaic artist and her pieces have been displayed publicly. She and her husband travelled extensively all over the world, collecting local arts and crafts along the way.
Ms. Olson’s belief that “food is love” was expressed in her devotion to regular preparation of delicious family meals and baked goods that were enjoyed by friends, extended family and strangers alike. She often shared food packages of her delicacies. She was fond of her wine spritzers and toasting “Skol!” to celebrate the holiday spirit. She and her friends joked they were “Skol Sisters.”
Survivors said she was fun-loving, kind and endearing, and will be remembered for her positive, upbeat nature and the sound advice she loved to share. Her “pearls of wisdom” were known to many.
She is survived by her sons, Eric and wife Debbie of Southampton, and John Jr. and wife Whitney of Florida; daughter Donna Olson of Hutchinson Island; grand-daughters, Emily Olson-Smith of Southampton and Lindsay Dillon-Potter of Los Angeles; and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, John Olson; her brother, Albert; sister Bertha; and her grandson, Todd Olson.
There will be no church service; a memorial celebration will be held at a later date in Southampton.