Valerie Olson

Valerie Janet Olson (n‚e McNicol) was born July 6, 1947 in Norwich, England. She was deeply spiritual, adventurous and bright; converted as a teenager to the LDS church and struck out on her own to America as a young woman. She earned a BS in Speech Pathology from BYU, where she met the man who would become her husband of nearly 41 years, Roger Dustin "Dusty" Olson. They fell in love and married March 31, 1972, returning to CA to live in his hometown of Chico. Together they raised six children: Tim, Aaron, Michael, Amy, Nick and Andy, followed by four grandchildren: Eli, Naomi, Silas and Nyla. She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and homemaker, an avid gardener, talented seamstress, and had a passion for genealogy. When she was just 37 years old, Valerie suffered a debilitating stroke. She struggled to regain her mobility and independence, learning to walk again and function with the use of one hand. Despite this adversity, she carried on in the service of those around her: raising her family and devoting her time to volunteer work making quilts for humanitarian aid. She was a kind listener with a surprising wit, a good friend to many. She passed away at the age of 65 on March 28, 2013 due to complications from lymphoma. She will always be deeply loved. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday the 11th of April at the LDS church on East ave and Alamo followed by a committal dedication at Chico Cemetery.