Dolores Ida Olson

"A mother holds her children's hands for a while, their hearts forever".
Dolores Ida Boyd Olson, 91 of Bradenton FL, passed away peacefully on November 10, at Tidewell Hospice. Dolores was born in Philadelphia, PA on November 6, 1934, to Earl E. Boyd and Ida L. Boyd (both deceased). She is survived by her three daughters: Deborah (Antonio) Esteves, Joanne (Michael) Nunan, and Karina (Arnold) Fischer; a son: Steven (Debbie) Olson; eight grandchildren: Nicholas (Carly) Esteves, Jeremy (Tara) Esteves, Caitlin (Bruce) Dew, Sean Nunan, Jordan (Jovana) Olson Trey Olson, Sabrina (Jason) Contrady and Christian Fischer; nine great grandchildren: Anthony, Matthew, Layla, Ethan, Bryce, Mackenzie, James, Elinor, and Rhys. She is preceded in death by her brother Earl Boyd, her sister Lorraine, and her granddaughter Nicole Olson Esteves.
Dolores met the love of her life, Gus, at a roller rink when she was 14 and he was 16. They dated for several years, eventually marrying in 1954. The family moved around periodically through those early years eventually settling in Woodstock, NY from 1968-2005. She worked for the Kingston, NY Public School district for a number of years before her retirement in 1992. She and Gus loved dancing and spent 30 years square dancing with The Lefooters, traveling to conventions, reveling in the friendships and the fun along the way. Dolores and Gus instilled a love of travel and camping within the family. They traveled the USA in their Motor Home, traveling across the country and up and down various coasts, spending several weeks in Alaska and into Canada, many times during their years together. A favorite camping spot was Assateague Island, where the family gathered annually for a week of sun, beach, crabbing, clamming, campfires, sing alongs, and family bonding. A tradition that continues with children, grandchildren, and now even great grandchildren. Her laughter echoed through campsites and family gatherings alike, a reminder that joy can be found under open skies and around a shared fire. In addition to camping they cruised numerous times, both within the US and through Europe. She loved crossword puzzles, sudoku, scrabble, canasta, documentaries, music, books, and playing a competitive game of Dominoes with her grandchildren. They eventually settled more permanently in Leesburg, FL in 2005 where they enjoyed their retirement years dancing, walking, theater, music, riding their tandem bicycle through the neighborhood and just spending time together. She lived fully, loved deeply, and left her mark on every heart she touched. Her proudest creation wasn't in the miles she traveled or the places she camped but in the family she built and loved so fiercely. Her laughter, warmth, and love will echo through generations. She will be dearly missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Tidewell Hospice, 3355 26th St. W, Bradenton, FL. 34205.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, Florida, is in charge of arrangements. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dolores, please visit our Tree Store.