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Pam Olsson Obituary
58, of Chandler, Arizona passed away on August 10, 2010. She was born in Winslow, Arizona on June 4, 1952. Pam graduated from Winslow High School and received her degree in Education from Northern Arizona University. Pam moved to Phoenix where she taught Dance, PE and Gymnastics for 35 years at both McClintock and Desert Vista High Schools. Pam enjoyed golfing, playing BUNCO and spending time at her cabin in Pinetop but the real joy of her life was her family. Pam is survived by her husband of 19 years, Dick Olsson and their children Eric Olsson (Regan), Brian Olsson, Josh Harris, Bianca Olsson and Katherine Harris; granddaughter Ava Olsson; her sister, Kathy Jennings and brother John Allen (Darcy); and nieces, Laura Jennings, Adrianne (Allen) Sanchez, and Lindsy (Allen) Garcia. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Harris; her parents, Joe and Virginia Allen; and her nephew, Billy Jennings. A celebration of Pam's life will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 11:00am at Desert Vista High School.
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Memories and Condolences
for Pam Olsson
Peggy
September 8, 2010
What an impact this beautiful woman made in so many lives. I remember the significant impact that she made in the life of one of my best friends in High school. She was there for her and supported her with the guidance that only she was able to give. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family for your loss.
Karen (Scholz) Nowicki
September 3, 2010
My prayers are with all family and friends who love Pam. She had such a graceful way about her. I remember looking up to her as a MHS student and appreciated her patience with me as I learned to dance. I later became a teacher and Pam had a great influence on that decision.
BETTY MOLINA
August 31, 2010
PAM, WAS A DEAR FRIEND TO ME AT McCLINTOCK HIGH SCHOOL.SHE WAS A SPECIAL LADY & TEACHER, SHE WILL BE MISSED BY HER FAMILY AND ALL THAT LOVED HER, MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY.
Erin Scroggins
August 29, 2010
Pam was a great friend and an amazing educator. I will remember her most for the time and committment she gave to her students. She will truly be missed. I am blessed to have called her a friend.
Katherine Faust
August 15, 2010
My family's hearts and prayers are with you. Most of my childhood memories are shared with the Olsson/Harris family. From Pam driving me to my first dance classes to late night sleepovers and eating bon bons with Katherine "#1." God bless and may your hearts be strong during this time of loss.
Lisa Warner
August 15, 2010
I was Pam's student teacher and she instantly became my mentor, confidant and friend. She was extraordinary in all that she did and she will truly be missed by so many loved ones. I love you Pam!!!
Cindy Billotte (Stirber)
August 15, 2010
I took Dance my freshman year and had a blast! Not just because the class itself and the people in it were fun, but Mrs. Olsson made it special. As teenagers in an awkward stage in our lives, she made us feel good about ourselves, and I will never forget that. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Rest in Peace.
Inger Pearson Hebert MHS 1995
August 15, 2010
Mrs. Olsson was my dance teacher through out high school. In my life time there have been few people that I could say influenced me as she did. Teaching dance to her was not just a job it was a passion. Her students were not just student she truely cared about everyone of us. my heart goes out to her family and friends, some day we shall all be dancing together again!
August 15, 2010
Mrs Olsson you will be missed but not forgotten. Thank you for being such a wonderful person and teacher! You have had such a positive impact on your students! Thank you for teaching us lessons in dance and life. My heart goes out to your family. Thank for touching so many lives. K (Hinkel) Anaya - Tempe, AZ MHS
Alysha Griffin (Cain)
August 15, 2010
Thank you Mrs. Olsen for giving me a love for dance. You were an awesome dance teacher and you really inspired me to be the best dancer I could be. I will remember you forever!
Rhoda (Winsor) Mason '84
August 15, 2010
Ms. Harris...Olsson was a wonderful teacher. Her positive and sweet attitude made class a blast in P.E.and dance classes at McClintock. She was
one of a kind. Prayers and thoughts are with her family during this sad time.
Ingrid Jones
August 14, 2010
Pam's postivism and professionalism were an inspiration to her many students and colleagues. Her natural grace and beauty brought
an aura of joy, kindness and gentleness to everything she did and everyone's lives she touched. She was a beautiful lady in the very most exquisite and classical definition of that term. She will be missed but her example will live on in so many hearts and continue to inspire those she left behind. My heartfelt condolences to Dick and her family.
Ebony Scott
August 14, 2010
Mrs. Olsson was my dance teacher at McClintock High School. She taught me so much about the art of performing and life in general. I am so very saddened by her passing even though I know she's in a better place. Mrs Olsson I will never forget you! XOXOX
Jennifer Templin
August 14, 2010
my thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
Emily (Jameson) Stewart
August 14, 2010
Mrs. Olsson was my dance teacher all through high school. She had a way of bringing so much joy to every student she taught. It was impossible to feel unloved around her. Her memory will truly live on forever as now I share with my children, the love for dance that she instilled in me. May her family and friends find peace that only God can provide. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
McClintock High School class of '95.
Lori Cimino
August 14, 2010
Mrs Olsson was a very special and positive influence at a pivotal time in my life. She gave me the tools and encouragement to become more comfortable within myself. She will truly be missed by many.
Katie Pentland
August 14, 2010
I had meant to send her a letter expressing how much she meant to me, I'm sad I never sent it.. I only hope she knows how much she inspired me and so many others. She was so positive and encouraging, I didn't know how rare that was esp in the dance world until later in life. She was the reason I started dancing and I am still dancing in a performance group at age 34. She is so loved and missed. Katie Pentland McClintock class of 94
Katie Pentland
August 14, 2010
I had Mrs. Olsson's address on my bulletin board meaning to send her a letter letting her know how much of an influence she had been to me, I never sent it. I hope she can hear me now. She was the reason I started dancing and was so positive and encouraging. I found out later how rare that was esp. in the dance world as I am still dancing in a performance group at age 34. She was such a light and shared it with so many. She had a tremendous attitute, even though we had to dance in the gym my freshman year because there was no dance room yet. She gave special awards after performances that meant so much. She was an amazing person, truly one of a kind. We will miss you, and we love you
Katie Pentland, McClintock class of 94
Darcey Smith
August 13, 2010
A beautiful person! I feel honored to have been one of her students! Mrs Olsson had a way of making every student feel special. She was a special person and touched the lives of many people!
Lynna Soller
August 13, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family of this beautiful, thoughtful and sweet woman. Pam was so kind and always a positive, upbeat person. We will miss her dearly.
Lynna Soller
Wendy Merkel Salem
August 13, 2010
Pam was my gymnastics coach at McClintock almost 30 yrs. ago. She was one of my favorite teachers/coaches of all time. I will sadly miss her. I am glad I got to see her when I was in town right after she retired from teaching. I have always held her in high regard. I am so sad and hope the Dick and the family will let Pam's wonderful qualities live on through them to honor her life. My heart is with you all.
katie pentland
August 13, 2010
I had Mrs. Olsson's address on a post it note on my bulletin board meaning to write her a letter expressing how much of an influence she was so me and how amazing she was, I never sent it... I am so sad about that. I only hope she can hear and feel our thoughts and how much she touched so many lives. She is the reason I started dancing and she was so encouraging and positive. I found out later how rare that is especially in the dance world. I am still dancing and I'm in a performance dance group at age 34. She had such a light and wanted others to feel it. She gave out special awards at the end of our performances that meant so much. I recently was watching old McClintock dance videos and thought "wow we were really good" all because of Mrs. Olsson's passion, talent, and love. She had such a great attitude even my freshmen year when we danced in the gym because there was no dance room! She was an amazing person and will be greatly missed.
We love you,
Katie Pentland
McClintock class of 94
Katie Pentland
August 13, 2010
I had Mrs. Olsson's address on a post it note on my bulletin board meaning to write her a letter expressing how much of an influence she was so me and how amazing she was, I never sent it... I am so sad about that. I only hope she can hear and feel our thoughts and how much she touched so many lives. She is the reason I started dancing and she was so encouraging and positive. I found out later how rare that is especially in the dance world. I am still dancing and I'm in a performance dance group at age 34. She had such a light and wanted others to feel it. She gave out special awards at the end of our performances that meant so much. I recently was watching old McClintock dance videos and thought "wow we were really good" all because of Mrs. Olsson's passion, talent, and love. She had such a great attitude even my freshmen year when we danced in the gym because there was no dance room! She was an amazing person and will be greatly missed.
We love you,
Katie Pentland
McClintock class of 94
Jodi Solem
August 13, 2010
Pam was not only an amazing teacher (who reached out to me in a time of need), she later became a sweet and dear friend!! My life has blessed and forever changed because of her!! She will be deeply missed and I look forward to seeing her in heaven! I pray that God provides supernatural peace and comfort to those who will mourn the loss!
~Jodi Solem
Roseyn Hood
August 13, 2010
If we all had the grace, energy, humility and dignity of Pam, as an educator and individual, this world would truly be a better place. She touched the lives of so many, including me. I will continue to pray for Dick and the family as you grieve and celebrate the life of this beautiful lady. May your memories bring you comfort throughout this difficult time.
August 13, 2010
Pam will live in the hearts of everyone who loved her.....and we all loved her. Rest in peace our dear friend Pam.
Debbie Pennell
Melissa Fried
August 13, 2010
Mrs. Olsson was a fantastic teacher and mentor. She was always there to listen or lend a helping hand. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
BETTY MOLINA
August 13, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jim Fountain
August 13, 2010
Pam was a treasure both as a colleague and as a friend. My prayers for Dick and the family.
Jan Harris
August 13, 2010
Pam was a beautiful high-school classmate. My thoughts and prayers are with her family in this time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Heather Givens (Cammack)
August 13, 2010
Mrs. Olsson was my dance teacher in High School. I loved her so much! I am saddened by her passing but I know she is in a better place. I pray that her family will find peace and healing soon. I am so glad I had the chance to know her. What an amazing women.
Jeff Benedict
August 13, 2010
Pam was a very special person to so many people. She touched lives with vigor and enthusiasm. Her passion for life was inspiring. We will miss her terribly. Our love to her family.
Jeff & Deb
Cathleen Cotts (Boos)
August 13, 2010
I knew Mrs. Olsson through my friends in dance. She was fun, energetic, and was always smiling. She will be missed greatly. My thoughts are with those she has left behind.
Ann Olsson
August 13, 2010
Pam was my sister-in-law and I'll miss her every day. We love you Pam!.
Ann Olsson
Brenda molina kolterman
August 13, 2010
my prayers go out to all the family member's, I met Mrs Olssen ( Harris) my Freshman year, she was an amazing person, and she was a great mentor to a lot of girls, she will be so missed -
Astraea Rohloff (Glover)
August 13, 2010
Mrs. Olsson was my dance teacher all throughout high school. She was an amazing and beautiful woman. Most of my best high school memories include Mrs. Olsson and all of the girl who danced for McClintock High School. I pray for peace and healing for the entire Olsson and Harris family as they mourn the passing of this amazing woman. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. Our lives were truly touched and changed for having known her. God bless all of you.
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