Sylvia Ann Olson

Sylvia Ann Olson, age 83, Palmhurst, TX passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2025 in her home surrounded by loved ones. Sylvia was born on June 29th, 1941 near Ada Minnesota to Rose and Leonard Stene. Sylvia married James (Jim) Orris Olson on November 24th, 1984 at Faith Lutheran Church in West Fargo. Sylvia and Jim lived in West Fargo, North Dakota until they moved to Lake Ida, Minnesota, and then permanently moved to Southern Texas in 2015 where she resided until her death.

Sylvia graduated from Halstad High School. After graduating from business college in Fargo she worked for Nodak Insurance. She then happily spent many years raising her children, Skye and Ridge Fatland, until she rejoined the workforce at Dutch Maid. She then worked as an administration assistant at Balmers Motors and proudly worked for Western States Insurance Group for 23 years until she retired.

Sylvia found her greatest joy in being with her family. She enjoyed a good breakfast, definitely had a sweet tooth, and loved reading, gardening, being outside in the sunshine, family vacations, and shopping. She loved being on the water while living at Lake Ida and you could frequently find her on a pontoon ride with Jim, driving the jet skis, or even skiing (especially on her 65th birthday). One of her favorite things to do was to attend her grandchildren’s activities. This included soccer games, dance recitals, baseball games, theater events, and many more. Sylvia was delighted to be a "flower girl” for one of her granddaughters' wedding in 2016. Sylvia was a big Bison fan and faithfully attended many home games as a season ticket holder. Sylvia and Jim loved to travel and in their later years as Minnesota snowbirds they would travel the United States to see as much as possible and visit family and friends. Sylvia never wanted to miss anything and was an inspiration to live life to the fullest. Sylvia and Jim made very close-knit friend groups wherever they lived. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the friends for their kindness, gestures, and support during Sylvia's final days.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents Rose and Leonard Stene, former husband Byron Fatland, brother-in-law Richard Pigg, brother-in-law Harry (Red) Boland, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her loving husband James Olson, Children; Skye Fatland (Lynn), Ridge Fatland (Linda), Tammy Finstad (Dave), Todd Olson (Maria), Troy Olson (Renee) Grandchildren; Christy Schlangen (Aaron), Jennifer Wilkerson (Zack), Melissa Pizzalato (Tony), Jason Finstad, Amber Kohler (Andrew), Lucas Fatland (Ashley), Keisa Lade (Steve), Kayla Rygg (Scott), Shantell Olson, Tré Olson, Brennan Olson, Julia Olson, Sarah Hostetter, Johnathan Conrad, Miguel Olsrud, TJ Longchase, and 22 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild. Sisters Gloria Boland, Betty Pigg, Linda Nelson (Jerry) and Brother Carl Stene. Brother and Sister-in-law Wayne and Donna Olson. Also nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, February 10th in Palmhurst, Texas. A memorial service will be held this summer in Minnesota. 

Please send any memorials in honor of Sylvia to Greater Valley Hospice. 837 E Esperanza Ave Ste C-1 Mcallen, TX 78501