Sylvia Christine Olson

1930 - 2026

Sylvia Christine Olson

Sylvia Christine Olson passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026 in Kalispell, Montana. She was born on January 31,1930 to Herman Engstrom and Agnes Thor in Wilton, North Dakota on a cold and wintery day. Her sister Audrey, was born 13 months later, so they grew up best of friends which continued throughout their lives.

In 1939, the Engstrom family moved West. They first lived in Marion, Montana, where Agnes and her 2 young daughters lived in a one room school house while Agnes taught school and Herman was away working in the logging trade. The Engstrom family eventually settled in Kalispell, Montana where Sylvia attended school, graduating from Flathead High School in 1948. Sylvia met Ray Olson, through mutual friends at a Halloween dance and were married the next year on November 25,1949.

The couple made Kalispell there home for life and their 2 children were born there. Diane first and then Mark a couple years later.

Sylvia and Ray built their retirement home at Village Greens where he learned to golf and Sylvia had many close friends. She golfed one time and thought it was stupid!

Sylvia and Ray were very active members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church; their faith was important in their lives. They were members of Sons of Norway and 100% Norwegian, she loved lefse, lutefisk and all the baked goodies. They went to Hoosta Fest in North Dakota more than once and even went on trip to Norway and Sweden with sister Audrey and her husband Cliff to see some of the heritage. Throughout the years they traveled to Hawaii, Mexico and Branson, Missouri and spent most of their weekends from 1967 to 1990 at the family cabin at Bitteroot Lake.The couple were also snowbirds for 20 years in Apache Junction, Arizona. Sylvia loved to play bridge, knit, sew and baked wonderful pies. She also could do the daily New York Times crossword puzzles in ink and never have an error. Over the years as her and Rays parents got older, she was a constant fixture at the nursing homes to see them.

Sylvia was a loving friend to all who knew her. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, who leaves a legacy of love of family and friends. Both Sylvia and Ray valued their family and they kept in touch with many nieces, nephews, cousins throughout the country. She will be remembered for her positive attitude, genuine caring, always friendly, willing to help others, her quiet strength and strong faith.

Sylvia and Ray were married 68 years at the time of Rays passing. She taught her children many lessons:

Never say something about anyone that you wouldn't say to their face. No gossiping. Work hard and do your best job. Follow the golden rule, be kind and help others.

Sylvia stayed in her home until she was 94 years old and then moved to Echoview Assisted Living. She suffered a stroke after Christmas and transferred into hospice care. We want to thank the staff at Echoview and the Enhabit hospice nurses for their loving care.

Sylvia is survived by her son Mark (Julianne) Olson, Billings; Grandsons; Robbie (Abigail) Torgerson, Ryan Torgerson, and Jarrett Olson, all of Kalispell; Great Grandchildren; Bella and Bryn Torgerson of Kalispell, Numerous Step children and step grandchildren; Nieces and Nephews; Gail Blegen-Frost (Ed) Kennewick: Ron (Cindy) Blegen Scottsdale; Ann (Craig) Massie Corvallis and all their families;

Jerry Homuth (Genelle) New Orleans, Mary Katherine Maloney Missoula, Leslie (Gary) Rose; San Diego and their families

Sylvia was preceded in death by: Husband Raymond Olson; daughter Diane Wiggin; Sister Audrey Blegen Son in law Tom Wiggin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday Feb.20, 2026 at 1:30 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 603 South Main Street in Kalispell, MT. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be given in Sylvia's memory to the Kalispell Sons of Norway or Bethlehem Lutheran Church.