Viola Grace Olson

Viola Grace Olson, 69, of Haskell, New Jersey, passed away on September 15, 2025. Born in the Panama Canal Zone on May 1, 1956 to the late Alfred Olson and Grace Lowden, Viola received grace upon grace (John 1:16) and became a born-again Christian through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

After graduating from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, she and her husband lived in Paris, Texas, for a couple of years before settling in New Jersey, where they purchased the house that became her home for the next 39 years.

A devoted mother, Viola dedicated herself to teaching her children at home. She was hospitable and generous, and she enjoyed spending time decorating elaborate cakes for birthdays and other special events. She could often be found in used bookstores, searching for a book to complete a series that she was collecting. Later, she continued her career as a pharmacist at Chilton Hospital and Phelps Hospital, where she retired.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents and four sisters: Karen Olson, Kathi Olson, Jennifer Olson-Merichko, and Deborah Blakeney.

She is survived by her children, Joanna Pernick and Jacob (Renee) Pernick, and their father, Alan Pernick, her former husband; three grandchildren: Talitha, Benaiah, and Nathan Pernick; six siblings: Scott (Wendy) Lowden, Donald (Jowanda) Lowden, Beth (Jerry) Anderson, Jeremy (Rebecca) Olson, Jeffrey Olson, and John Olson; her brother-in-law Scott Merichko, widower of her late sister Jennifer; along with extended family members, church family, and friends.

A private burial will take place in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where her body will rest until the resurrection.

"For You have rescued my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling." Psalm 116:8

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Grace Redeemer Church (www.graceredeemer.com), where she was a member, or the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (www.4hcm.org).