Charlotte Elizabeth Olson

Olson

Charlotte Elizabeth Olson

February 22, 1922-September, 16, 2023

Charlotte Elizabeth Olson, 101, of Alexandria, VA, passed away in the early morning hours on September 16, 2023, while in hospice care at Alexandria Inova Hospital, Alexandria, Virginia. She was born to Ruth Theresa Yetterdahl Olson and Sophus Olson on February 22, 1922, at the height of a raging winter blizzard in Jamestown, North Dakota. Her physician made a timely arrival at the hospital in a horse-drawn buggy.



Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents; her older brother, John Sophus Olson, his wife, Wanda Lurene Askew; and Charlotte's nephew, Jeffery Lynn Olson.



Charlotte began her education at Lincoln Elementary School, establishing early on many friendships that continued through her life. She was part of a girls social group in Jamestown High School that named themselves the "Harpies". Charlotte graduated as valedictorian, and went on to Grand Forks, N.Dakota, to college after high school, but destiny calledâ€" she took the civil service exam in September 1941 and went on to seek higher education in Washington, DC at Catholic University where she entered the profession of nursing. She began her nursing career at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in the fall of 1946, and quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately getting her master's degree in nursing in 1956. She became the Director of Nursing Services for the 7,200-bed facility in 1975, supervising 450 RN's and 1,652 nursing employees at the hospital. Charlotte retired on February 28, 1980. She and her good friend, Louise Grapenthin, a nurse associate from Wisconsin, attended international nursing conventions in Japan, Hawaii, South America, and Italy, where they were fortunate to come face to face with the Pope.



In her early years in DC, Charlotte was a neighbor to Margaret and Max Davis, and helped Margie care for their infant girls, Martha and Susan, when Max was away in the militaryâ€"the two girls became part of Charlotte's family for her lifetime.



In addition to her professional life, Charlotte made time to nurture social relationships. She met George Renholt ("Peach") during the war years of the 1940's, and they maintained a companionship in their later years, going back and forth between her home in Old Town, Alexandria, VA to his home in Big Pine Key, Florida. Peach's nieces, Sharon and Susan became a part of Charlotte's extended family.



With the freedom of retirement, Charlotte expanded on her desire to travel and took family members to Norway, the Caribbean, Alaska, Costa Rica, and river cruises in Europe.



On her 100th birthday Charlotte planned and hosted a celebration at Gatsby's Tavern in Alexandria, VA. It was catered by another good friend, Sharon Reilly, and attended by many of Charlotte's friends and family. The Mayor of Alexandria, VA attended and provided Charlotte with an official proclamation from the city.



Charlotte loved to share a glass of prosecco and St. Andre cheese and crackers with anyone who dropped by in the late afternoon. Going out for crabcakes and soft-shell crab in season, and Creme Brule were predictable choices at restaurants. She supported The American Indian Museum, the Smithsonian, Sons of Norway, and many other causes.



Charlotte did not want a formal funeral service but chose cremation and asked that her ashes be sprinkled at her parent's graves in Jamestown, North Dakota and Big Pine Key.



She is survived by her Niece, Linda Ruth Davis and husband, Ron; her nephew, Kelly Olson and wife, Linda Faye; Rosemary Olson and collectively, their eight children and 15 grandnieces and nephews.



Memorials in Charlotte's name may be given to support "Senior Services of Alexandria", Virginia.