Karen Olsen
Obituary
Former Juneau resident Karen (Monson) Olsen died Jan. 10, 2008, at her home in Anchorage, surrounded by her family and friends. She was 53.
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She was born Nov. 18, 1954, in Anchorage. Her early years were spent in Washington, D.C., and Juneau, before moving to Anchorage, where she graduated from Service High School. She attended St. Olaf College in Minnesota, earning a bachelor's degree in philosophy and religion. She also earned a master's degree in special education from the University of Northern Colorado.
She was a teacher with the Anchorage School District for more than 20 years. She taught at Kennedy Elementary, Ursa Minor Elementary and finally at Willowcrest Elementary, where she retired in 2006.
Her family wrote that she was an inspiration to her students and friends. She had a passion for books, music, singing, fine arts and crafts, and she was an accomplished seamstress, they said.
She was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Monson; and mother, Mildred W. Monson.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Olsen; sister, Kristina Monson; and brother, Kris Monson, of Juneau.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Central Lutheran Church, 1420 Cordova St., in Anchorage.
The family requests that no flowers be sent. Instead, they ask that memorials be made to either the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, or online at www.cancer.org; or to the Cook Inlet Literacy Council, Attention: Terrill Sullivan, 11051 Retreat Circle, Anchorage 99515. Remembrances may be sent to P.O. Box 211542, Auke Bay, AK 99821.