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Judy Olin Obituary

Judy K. Olin

May 23, 1953 - Jan 20, 2015

Judy K. Olin passed away on Tues., Jan. 20th after a long fight with ovarian cancer She was 61. Judy was born in grand Rapids Mn. and moved to California in 1977, earning an MFA from UC Davis. After teaching art at the high school level, Judy pursued a decades long career as a circuit-board designer. This led her eventually to an award-winning career as a landscape designer/horticulturist,becoming highly respected by her peers in the industry. Her passion for art was broad an included interests in photography, ceramics and abstract painting. She also curated an online contemporary art magazine. Most recently,she published a children's book with her sister Ruth. Judy is survived by her husband George "Sam" Gulbrandson, son Erik Tervo, twin sister Ruth, sister Jan and brothers Mark and Robert. Donations may be made to the Judy Olin Memorial Fund, 201 Napa St. suite#33, Sonoma Ca., 95476. A portion of this fund will go to a scholarship at the SRJC Landscape Design Program.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 22 to Jan. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Judy Olin

21 Entries

February 10, 2015

What an artist. Our very sincere condolences to Sam and Judy's family. We are so very sorry.
James and Bobbie

Jan Haye

February 4, 2015

Judy was an incredible sister and artist. Everything she tried turned into a true piece of art - from flower arranging, photography, ceramics, painting, and landscape design. She was so thoughtful and kind to others, as they were her focus. Sam and Erik, we loved and respected Judy, and want you to know how much we cared a loved her and her true enduring spirit, which will live on.
Sister - Jan Hayes - Murfreesboro, TN

Leslie Rowe

February 3, 2015

I haven't seen Judy in a very long time (15 yrs), but I see the 2 redwood trees she gave me everyday. She dug up these small trees when she moved to Sonoma (she had a landscape vision and they weren't in it). Even though she wanted the trees gone, she couldn't just let them die, so she asked me and others to take them, I think there were 4. They looked a little pathetic, but I couldn't say no. Never thought they would grow, but they have done great. I talk to them often and her in my mind. "So Judy, did you ever think these things would look this good?"
Judy was such an amazing person, always positive, sooo artistic, and very encouraging. She saw the best in her friends, which somehow helped me to see the best in myself. How did she do it, I just don't know. I loved her laugh!! My heart goes out to Sam and all her family - such a HUGE loss.

Marshie, Jim & Pat Whelly

February 2, 2015

Thinking of all of you always. Much love

Jeff Whitley

January 28, 2015

I was so sorry to hear about Judy passing, she will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, but especially by me. I have known Judy for many years. She was a very caring person, and the best neighbor you could ever ask for. She will always be in my heart. All my condolences to Sam and Erik. Love, your friend, Jeff Whitley

Greg Olin

January 27, 2015

With warmst memories. Thoughts and Prayers

January 27, 2015

So sad to hear about Judy. She was a high school friend along with her twin Ruthie. Although I haven't seen them for years it still seems like yesterday, the overnights, the pontoon and swimming in the bay. Also Judys wedding dance. All fabulous memories and memories of a beautiful sweet girl that turned into a beautiful and very accomplished woman. My condolences to Judys family and of course to Ruthie. Warmest regards, Ann Deguiseppi Blade

Dion Duell

January 26, 2015

I grew up in the Olin home. Ruthie & Judy, Shelley & I were best friends. So many memories! Sleeping under the stars on the pontoon, sharing a boyfriend in the 5th grade, canoeing with our parents in the Boundary Waters. Mr. Olin's upholstery shop on Mishawaka Road, Mrs. Olin's amazing cooking. Our first bikini's, my 1st terrifying rope-swing experience! All my childhood memories are filled with Judy. She was a wonderful friend and I regret that we lost touch in our adult lives and that this is the way I finally found her, however, I am sure she was remarkable and will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.

Leslie Baughn

January 26, 2015

A friend from long ago - who never left
my heart. Her most wonderful gift was her quiet persistence to be true to the artist in her. A wonderful teacher and friend.

January 26, 2015

I'm honored to have known in my painting class. She was always an excellent artist, yet unsure of her skills. If you have photos of her evocative abstract paintings, it would help us if you could post one. I will look as well. I am so sad... she was a talent. Suzanne Edminster

Karina Nishi Marcus

January 26, 2015

Judy was so extremely supportive of the arts community ...she -- her energy and spirit-- will be so missed. My condolences to family and friends...

January 26, 2015

I honestly wasn't aware of all of her accomplishments, but I do know that she was one of the nicest people I've known, and always smiled when I saw her and got to talk to her. I'll see ya there. Be Cool.

Mike Wicks
Friend

margery summerfield

January 26, 2015

Love you Judy. You will always be a blessing to my life, I am honored to have been counted as a friend, to have shared art and Life with you. Broken hearted at your passing. Much love to Erik and Sam, and to Judy's family. Irreplaceable Artist in all she did, who she is, how she lived. Miss you.

Jane Foster

January 25, 2015

May her spirit rest in love and light

Kathy McKeon

January 25, 2015

Rest in Peace Judy. You are a loving and kind woman and I remember you fondly.

January 25, 2015

How could I add anything but the hole in my
heart

Tammy Wright

January 24, 2015

Judy was an amazing pcb designer and I considered her a friend. I was so proud of her accomplishments, all the things she has done.

January 23, 2015

I HAVE KNOWN JUDY AS A CUSTOMER OF MINE,SHE WAS ALLWAYS WONDERFUL TO WORK WITH.WE WILL ALL MISS HER .RENEE @ LANDSCAPES UNLIMITED.

bruce schneider

January 23, 2015

Judy was simply one of the very best at what she did.I will miss her greatly.

Connie Rhodes

January 23, 2015

There is such a void and hole in my heart after losing this incredible friend. She was the most loving, giving, and considerate person; always putting the needs of others first. Her bravery in battling cancer was unmatched. She refused to let it be the focus of her life; continuing to work hard and produce incredible landscape designs, paintings, the childrens' book and other accomplishments while ill. I was so fortunate to know her, share a friendship and work with her.
She will be missed by many.

Erin Hayes

January 22, 2015

Love you Aunt Judy!

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