Lucia Olson

Friday, October 11, 2019 9:36 pm

Lucia Olson of Scottsdale, Ariz., formerly of Decorah, entered into the arms of the Lord on July 27, 2019, after a courageous battle against ovarian cancer.

A family memorial service was held at Ascension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley, Ariz., Aug. 3.

A separate memorial service will be held this Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Decorah, at 4:30 p.m., followed by a celebration of life reception at Oneota Golf and Country Club.

Lucia was born in the mountains of Denver, Colo., May 23, 1962. She spent her childhood with a big family in Denver and Durango, Colo.

A classical violinist, Lucia loved playing with her aunt Lorraine in many orchestra groups and spent time in “Up with People” sharing her gift for music with groups around the world, traveling to Scandinavia, throughout Europe, and even to Mt. Sinai, Egypt.

She continued to play her violin and sing in church choir for many years. Lucia enjoyed golfing with her friends and rescuing baby birds and animals of all types.

She spent the early years of her career as a mortgage underwriter, carrying on in her father’s footsteps in the banking industry for 10 years. Later in life, Lucia made a career change and went back to school to enter the medical field. A compassionate person at heart, she went to work at the Federal Medical Center in Rochester, Minn., where she cared for patients who were mentally ill federal inmates in need of extra care and understanding. Lucia had a gift for listening to those in need and putting the needs of others before her own. She became an avid health advocate for all of her family and friends. She will be missed by many.

Lucia was preceded in death by her father Donald; brother-in-law Joe; niece Krystal; and by her grandparents.

Lucia is survived by her daughter Samantha of Washington, D.C.; son Dirk of Decorah; mother Geri of Scottsdale, Ariz.; sisters Andrea (Don) of Denver, Colo.; Darcy (Brad) Wicks of Decorah; Krista of Phoenix, Ariz.; brothers Matt of Phoenix, Ariz., and Pete (Kendra) of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews with whom she loved having tea parties.

Contributions in Lucia’s memory may be made to the American Bird Conservancy. An avid bird watcher, she was particularly fond of hummingbirds and spent her final days on the back porch watching the beautiful Arizona hummingbirds. Donations will go into a fund in Lucia’s name for use in a conservation project accompanied by a memorial plaque. https://abcbirds.org/donate.