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Caroline Olshefska Obituary

Olshefska, Caroline (Derdowski) 75, of Cave Creek, AZ, passed away on June 17, 2014 after battling with pancreatic cancer. She will be greatly missed. After graduation from Lew Wallace High School, Caroline went on to receive her master's in music from the Conservatory of Chicago. Throughout the past 55 years, she warmed people's hearts both young and old with the gift of music by teaching piano and music theory. As a founding member of Arizona Musicfest, she enjoyed spending much of her time bringing classical music to others. She also enjoyed traveling, attending live classical concerts, and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her daughters, Stacey Derdowski of Tempe, AZ and Amy Bethprana Novi of Portland, OR; and many cousins. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the America Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice.

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Published by Post-Tribune on Jun. 29, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Caroline Olshefska

Sponsored by Caroline's Family.

24 Entries

Amy

June 24, 2025

Year 11. Wish I could talk with you about this crazy world. I wonder what you would say. I miss sharing those things I love with you. You were the best mom and a wonderful person.

Amy

June 25, 2024

10 years and it seems like only yesterday we were talking and laughing. You have stayed with me, but I miss you still.

Pat Cohen

June 23, 2024

Still think of you often, Caroline, and your leadership and abilities in making a difference. Miss you a lot!

Amy

June 29, 2023

Oh mom it's been 9 years and seems like you were just here yesterday. My love for you has only grown. I can't wait till we meet again.

Pat Cohen

June 23, 2021

Wish I could tell you how much you are missed and what Az Musicfest looks like now! You would not believe it!

Any Beth Novi

June 26, 2020

Cant believe its been 6 years. I miss here daily. I often think about sharing a thought or tv show with her and wonder what she would say or how she would enjoy it. I am so thankful for having her as my mother. I was very lucky and I feel her wisdom flowing trough me as I counsel my young clients. Her legacy goes on.

Stacey

June 23, 2020

I miss my mother so very much, it has been 6 years sense heaven received a angel. During these scary times with a deadly virus among us, riots, and many wild fires, I hope she is watching over my sister and I to help guide us. I miss her guidance, her laughter, and love. Love you mom.

Pat Cohen

June 23, 2020

Never forgotten, Caroline and continually missed. You would have a lot to say about what is going on in the world today!

Gabrielle Garrett

September 23, 2016

It is with a heavy heart I learned today of Ms. Olshefska's passing. I think of her often and still tell people about the piano teacher I had as a teenager in AZ. She had a great spirit and I'm thankful for her teaching me something to be proud of, something that can be enjoyed throughout my years. She truly loved what she did. May she rest in peace.

Gail Walker

January 21, 2015

Been thinking a lot about you my friend and missing you! The other day I took Anna to the Library story and music time and the substitute teacher reminded me so much of you. (She wasn't as animated as you would have been..lol) I am starting to plan my annual bowling trip and of course that always reminds me of you and Jimmy! I love you both and hope your up in heaven happy and playing games together! xoxo till we meet again!

Pat Cohen

October 20, 2014

Caroline- Rarely a day goes by that I don't think of you. Sometimes, one doesn't realize the impact made on a person's life until that person is gone. Working with you at Arizona Musicfest was always interesting. I loved the luncheon previews when you and Paul used to play and share thoughts about the compositions and composers. I listened intently to your suggestions on the Education Committee and Competition. You were always there with advice from your years of teaching. You made a difference with the school outreaches and you were always vigilant when you thought we were moving too quickly with changes. Change is always hard. I loved your sharing about getting married and being in Mexico. And, I loved hearing about your trips to California. Your face would always light up at those adventures! I miss your friendship. And, I wish I could have known you years ago!

You would be happy to know I am playing the piano again. I never took lessons from you like I expected I might when I found the time. Well, I am finding time now, and although I know how awful I sound, each time I sit at the piano, the Bach and Haydn get a little bit easier and sound a little bit better. I will never be Competition ready, but I certainly appreciate the music. I hope you and Trudy are up in Heaven playing duets for the masses. If so, they must be delighted!! Amy and Stacey, your mom left you a wonderful legacy to live by.

October 16, 2014

Stacey and Amy,
I loved your mom's smile and her contagious laugh. I remember the day I brought my mother in law out to her lovely Cave Creek home for a visit. We sat on the patio and enjoyed watching the critters scamper by and enjoyed the view of the desert that she loved so much. She was such a kind person and loved her girls more than anything. May all the happy memories live on in your hearts. So good spending time with you at dinner last month. Chris

rob klopfenstein

September 29, 2014

Dear Amy and Stacey,

So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Not a week has gone by during the past 35 years at one of my gigs when I didn't have somebody ask me "where did you learn to play the piano?" I would always say back in Indiana and tell them about my cool piano teacher who gave me such a great foundation and the inspiration to keep playing. I always appreciated her kindness and wonderful teaching ability. And I know how proud she was of the both of you. Take care and know she will be greatly missed.

Bobbie and Julian Phelps

September 28, 2014

Godspeed Caroline, fly on the wings of angels to the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

July 24, 2014

Amy and Stacy please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your mother. Caroline was my piano teacher for several years in the early 1970s while living in Lakes of 4 Seasons. But she was so much more then a piano teacher, she was an inspiration for a passionate love of life. Before she was my teacher we knew of Caroline, as did the community, through her Conservation Club activities. She had the neighborhood recycling in the 70s. I remember the Give A Hoot Don't Pollute Woodsy Owl in the LOFS 4th of July parade. I remember her HUGE garden encircled by marigolds to keep the bunnies out. She taught macrame at a 4H meeting one time. There were Christmas recital parties in her living room. I remember her mother being there. Country club formal recitals were every other year. I also watched Stacy and Amy one summer while she taught lessons. Two very sweet little girls. I was also in charge of making Caroline's constant cup of coffee and helping tidy up . These are all such wonderful memories ! I don't play the piano much anymore but a couple of weeks ago sat down to play. Starting thinking of Caroline and googled to find she had passed away recently. I am so sorry. She will always be remembered by so many. Mary Stevenson Connor, Springfield, MO [email protected]

Lolitia Beaty Bache

July 10, 2014

Caroline and Jimmy lived across the alley from us in Gary, and Caroline was my confirmation sponsor at St. Marks in about 1954. We moved to Merrillville around that time, and we lost touch. I have thought about her so many times over the years. I always looked up to her so and was so impressed by her piano talent - I was sure that she would be a famous musician one day. I'm so sorry to hear of her death.

July 8, 2014

I will always remember the times that Ray and I spent with you and your brother. You both had the knack of making people feel at home. You were the highlight of my week when I was taking lessons!

Mom at the tea house, Chinese Gardens, Portland Or. last year

Amy Derdowski

July 8, 2014

Thank you Bess, Liz and Martha for the kind words, my sister and I knew that our mom was a special person, but it is so wonderful to hear how she shared her gifts with others.

July 7, 2014

Mom, I will alway LOVE YOU !!!!

Bess Stillman

July 4, 2014

I hope you knew just how much you changed my life. Someone who recognizes the thing you're good at and creates not just a love but a passion for it is a rare thing. Music is what gets me through and it was you who opened the doors so that I could know deeply the notes that move my days. Everything you taught me I carry close - and not just when I'm playing the piano. You made me feel like loving something, anything, enough, and working - really, really working - at it, is to do right by it. It makes me believe that growth and improvement are always possible. You were there at the right time to give me the push I needed. And it's still your voice in my head saying "practice, practice, practice." whenever I need motivation to do just about anything important. I didn't get the chance to tell you all of that, and now I can only hope you knew. You'll be missed. We all loved you so much.

Bess Stillman, MD

July 4, 2014

"thanks for the wonderful memory..."

Liz Bush

July 2, 2014

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.