Katrina Huss Olson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Katrina "Kate" Olson, a remarkable woman known for her quick wit, fearless spirit, and enduring sense of determination. Born on January 3, 1948, Katrina left us too soon on February 4, 2024. Her life was filled with laughter, kindness, and a love for the arts that was truly infectious.

Katrina, affectionately known as Kate, was a proud graduate of California State University of Northridge, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Sociology in 1979. Among her proudest achievements were putting herself through college and purchasing her first home on her own right after college. She was a strong, self-assured, and tenacious woman who served as an inspiration to many.

She had a knack for making people feel at ease through her volunteer work, often singing in various local choral groups at nursing homes. Katrina had a varied palate, enjoying everything from Campos Avocado Burritos and In-N-Out cheeseburgers with fries to Dubonnet with a twist on the rocks. Her love for Mary Higgins Clark novels, the artwork of her brother Judson, and the music of Joni Mitchell, Gina Vannelli, and Burt Bacharach were well known. She also had a soft spot for the television shows The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, the Wheel of Fortune, and the classic movie Breakfast at Tiffany's.

In her free time, Katrina indulged in knitting, crocheting, creating stained glass art, and making music. Besides being a non-stop singer with a sweet voice, she also played the piano, the Autoharp, the hammer dulcimer, the harmonica, and a variety of percussion instruments. She enjoyed playing Crazy Eights and Yahtzee, and was always ready for a challenging walk. Her favorite vacation spots were Hilo, Hawaii, Big Bear, Ca, the Grand Canyon, the Colorado Rockies, and the Northeast in the fall. But above all, Katrina believed in the magical power of laughter and left a legacy built on kindness, generosity, creativity and joy.

Katrina is survived by her husband, James (Jim) Olson, and their daughters, Elizabeth Negrete (Earl), Natalie Olson, Gretchen Olson (Tim), and five grandchildren: Gabriel, Lilliana, Ben, Madisen and Major. She is also survived by her sister, Hansel Pollack, and brother, Christopher Huss. She is predeceased by her parents, William and Helen Huss, her brothers William Huss and Judson Huss, and her sister JoHelen Argos.

Katrina was a one-of-a-kind woman who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.