Obituary for Lavona Elizabeth Olsen
October 8, 1959 – February 20, 2021
It is with deep & profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Lavona Elizabeth Olsen in Victoria, BC, on February 20, 2021 at the age of 61.
Lavona was born to parents Albertus Luis Olsen and Lavona Elizabeth Layton Olsen on October 8, 1959 in Comox, British Columbia.
Lavona lived several lives through her array of employment and always rose to the challenge to excel in everything she did. Her working career began at her godfather’s business, White Tower Pizza & Steak House, and from there she worked various other cooking and serving jobs ultimately ending up at Scott’s Restaurant in downtown Victoria – a place where she served the likes of Alicia Silverstone and Kiefer Sutherland as well as her future husband, Jim. After taking time to raise their two children, Lavona set her sights on new horizons, immersing herself in an array of new possibilities attending Sprott Shaw Community College where she graduated with an administrative assistant certificate with distinction and was valedictorian of her class. From there she sought new horizons again working as a custom framer for several years. She most recently worked as a housekeeper at a retirement home and deeply enjoyed the work that came with helping others. Everyone who knew Lavona said the same thing – that she was a passionate hard worker, who was larger than life and genuinely cared about the people around her, whether she knew you for 5 minutes or 5 decades.
Lavona had an inexhaustible passion for life, a wicked sense of humour, and a gregarious nature that filled the hearts of those around her with joy. She passionately enjoyed cooking, murder mysteries, shopping (with a penchant for costume jewelry), travelling, country music, and yearly trips to Las Vegas.
Lavona was a devoted and loving spouse and mother; she is lovingly survived by her spouse of 33 years, Jim; their daughter Katrina (& her favourite Son-in-Law); and their son Dylan.
A service will be held when it is safe to gather.
It is with deep & profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Lavona Elizabeth Olsen in Victoria, BC, on February 20, 2021 at the age of 61.
Lavona was born to parents Albertus Luis Olsen and Lavona Elizabeth Layton Olsen on October 8, 1959 in Comox, British Columbia.
Lavona lived several lives through her array of employment and always rose to the challenge to excel in everything she did. Her working career began at her godfather’s business, White Tower Pizza & Steak House, and from there she worked various other cooking and serving jobs ultimately ending up at Scott’s Restaurant in downtown Victoria – a place where she served the likes of Alicia Silverstone and Kiefer Sutherland as well as her future husband, Jim. After taking time to raise their two children, Lavona set her sights on new horizons, immersing herself in an array of new possibilities attending Sprott Shaw Community College where she graduated with an administrative assistant certificate with distinction and was valedictorian of her class. From there she sought new horizons again working as a custom framer for several years. She most recently worked as a housekeeper at a retirement home and deeply enjoyed the work that came with helping others. Everyone who knew Lavona said the same thing – that she was a passionate hard worker, who was larger than life and genuinely cared about the people around her, whether she knew you for 5 minutes or 5 decades.
Lavona had an inexhaustible passion for life, a wicked sense of humour, and a gregarious nature that filled the hearts of those around her with joy. She passionately enjoyed cooking, murder mysteries, shopping (with a penchant for costume jewelry), travelling, country music, and yearly trips to Las Vegas.
Lavona was a devoted and loving spouse and mother; she is lovingly survived by her spouse of 33 years, Jim; their daughter Katrina (& her favourite Son-in-Law); and their son Dylan.
A service will be held when it is safe to gather.