Joan Olson, 82, of Anacortes, on Thursday, June 11, 2024 peacefully left her family to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was born on April 6, 1942 in Port Jefferson, New York, the beloved daughter of John and Dorothy (Smith) Pagel.

Joan went to school in Medford, New York graduating from Patchogue High School with the Class of 1960. She met the love of her life, Robert Theodore Olson , while attending Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Patchogue. Interestingly, Robert also attended Patchogue High School and graduated in 1955, five years before she did. They married in 1967, and settled in Patchogue to raise their two sons.

Joan acquired her bachelor's degree in nursing, from Stony Brook University, and she furthered her career as a professional member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She taught nursing students about practice guidelines, general knowledge of women's reproductive health, and birthing procedures. Robert owned and operated his own business, Olson Fuel Service, while Joan worked as a nurse in New York until Robert sold his business, and uprooted their family to Anacortes in 1983. Both Robert and Joan were actively involved in the Anacortes Lutheran Church as a couple and as a family.

In Anacortes, Joan worked for United General as the night shift head nurse, later transitioning to Group Health Insurance Company, and traveled to various hospitals as a member advocate. Robert was called home to God at the age of 68 in 2006. They celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary that same year. Joan remained in the healthcare industry. Even after her retirement, she was a huge advocate for all her friends and family.

When she wasn't busy with her grandchildren, she belonged to a book club, and to a knitting club called Slipped Stitches. Joan had lots of laughs and good friends from both groups.

Joan is survived by her sons and their wives: Andrew and Christina, Erik and Desiree; her grandchildren: Ashlynn, Max, Tyler, Marlo, Zoey, Piper; and her great-grandson: Jasper. She is predeceased by her parents and her loving husband.

In remembrance of Joan, you may make donations in her name to SABA (Seahawk Athletic Booster Association), AHS, and or to the American Diabetes Association . Online donation links will be available at the Joan's memorial site at Evans where you can also share your memories of her: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/joan-olson .