Florence B. Olsen

Florence B. Olsen was born on December 9, 1930 in Herkimer, Kansas. Our loving mother, grandmother, and friend went to be with her husband and the Lord on August 6, 2025.

She leaves behind her three children: Diane Olsen Proteau, Carl Olsen, and Sandra Olsen Wandel; five grandchildren: Samantha Proteau-Wassef, William Proteau, Landon Wandel, Bradford Olsen and Sean Olsen. Son-in-laws Brian Proteau, Herb Wandel, daughter-in-law Michelle Olsen and Samantha’s husband Fady Wassef. She also leaves behind many dear friends.

Florence grew up in Herkimer, Kansas. She worked at Goodyear Tires and then as a nurse in the newborn ward at the local hospital. She married Lyle Olsen June 26, 1955 and soon moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and were blessed with three wonderful children. In 1966, Lyle; who worked for AT&T, was transferred to San Francisco, where they set up their new home in Petaluma.

Florence loved gardening; she could grow anything, often just from a stem or leaf. She was a woman of service. She volunteered at St John’s Lutheran Church, Kaiser Medical, and many other local charity groups. She enjoyed making sugar molds, cake decorating, quilting and embroidering. But she most enjoyed being with her family, playing board games, and listening to her grandsons’ play the piano. She was a warm and inviting host. She was deeply loved by many and will be deeply missed.

A memorial service is scheduled for August 27, 2025 at 11:00 at Parent Sorensen Mortuary; 850 Keokuk Street, Petaluma 94952. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Sonoma County Parks, or your favorite charity organization.