Madelyn Kay Olsen Obituary (1934 - 2017)

Madelyn Kay Olsen, 83, of Baker City, Oregon passed away at her residence on December 20, 2017. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the First Lutheran Church with Pastor Ian Wolfe officiating the service. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception following the service at the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Madelyn was born on March 31, 1934 in Sweet Home, Oregon, the third child of William and Dorothy Corner Parker. The family moved to Hermiston, Oregon in 1941, then to Baker in 1949. She attended Baker High School for two years and in July of 1950 Madelyn married Donald Gordon Olsen. Donald and Madelyn started their family in 1952 with the birth of their daughter Leslie followed by the birth of their son Steven in 1953. When Kristen was born in 1966 their family was complete. Madelyn worked from the age of 16 at a variety of jobs. She did restaurant work at Clubb's Lunch Counter and the Blue and White Cafe, clerical work at KBKR, the local radio station, registrations at Portland State University and she also worked as the City Clerk in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho. She owned Robbs Ladies Shop for several years and worked for Wells Fargo Bank until her retirement. In January of 2001 Madelyn was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer. She underwent major surgery and had a 36 pound tumor removed. She beat the odds and survived nearly 17 years. The last reoccurrence was inoperable and she died peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Madelyn was very committed to her church. She joined the First Lutheran Church in 1949 and was an active member the rest of her life. She was involved in several circles and boards, but her true calling was the choir. Madelyn joined the choir in 1949 and she was a member for most of her life. She is survived by her children Leslie Steiger of Baker City, Oregon, Steve and Sue Olsen of Baker City, Oregon, and Kristen and Carl Poteete of Woodinville, Washington. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, her sister in-law Verna Parker of Orem, Utah and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Madelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Gordon, her parents, sister Pat Gentry and her brother Don Parker, and two infant grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family would like to suggest donations be made to the First Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or Heart 'n Home Hospice through Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel at 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR. 97814.