Obituary of Marsha Kae Olsen

Marsha Kae Olsen passed away August 18, 2013 after enduring a 33-year battle against Type 1 diabetes. Her devoted husband, Scott, was by her side. Marsha was born in Tillamook, Oregon, August 5, 1950, the first daughter of Donna and Thomas Gavette. The family moved to Aberdeen in 1965, where she graduated high school in 1968 and then attended Grays Harbor College. Marsha started her career working in private industry before hiring on as the first female dispatcher, quickly becoming supervisor for the Aberdeen Police Department. She eventually transferred to the Finance Department, finishing her career as head of the Human Resource Department in 2003. Marsha and Scott were married in 1985 on the island of Maui and lived the last 17 years at Lost Lake. Marsha was an avid reader and had an incredible culinary talent to create menus for the parties they hosted. She loved sleeping in, especially with her kitties, Alex and Ozzie. She was a beautiful, intelligent, generous, and gracious woman with a great sense of humor and a sharp wit. She loved a glass of wine, sitting in the sun, and enjoying her grandchildren, especially at the lake. Marsha is lovingly remembered by her husband, Scott; mother, Donna; son, Chris, and wife, Lisa; along with grandchildren, Carter, Christian and Camryn. Her sisters, Mindy (Barry), Jill (Steve) and Jennifer (Bill); Aunt Joyce and Uncle Ken; brothers-in-law, Jeff, Steve (Roxy) and Todd (Teresa); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and dearest childhood friend, Barb Smith, will also miss Marsha’s love of life and family. Marsha was extremely grateful for the friendship with Lost Lake neighbors, Kathy and Dr. Rob Tomford. Though not her doctor, Rob supported and advocated for Marsha as she battled her health issues to the very end. Despite her declining health, Marsha and Scott were able to enjoy numerous vacations, especially to Belgium; Paris; Clearwater Beach, Florida; New York; and the Poconos. Their last vacation was highlighted by the helicopter trip into the Grand Canyon, visiting the Sedona area, and having the use of Rob and Kathy’s home in Tucson to use as a jumping off point to visit other areas even down to Mexico. Marsha was preceded in death by her father, Tom, in 1972; and her two kitties, Gus and Reggie. A celebration of Marsha’s life will be held September 8, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Aberdeen’s Rotary Log Pavilion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paws of Grays Harbor or Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Shelton, Washington. Please leave memories of Marsha or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.