Olson, CalaJan. 17, 1939 - Sept. 17, 2016Cala Lily (Smith) Olson, 77, left us on Saturday, September 17, 2016. Cala is survived by her devoted and beloved husband, Walter Olson, and their three children, Kari Olson of Los Angeles, California, Erik Olson and his wife Christine of Rochester Michigan, and Kirsten Olson Koza and her husband Craig of Beverly Hills, Michigan, her six grandchildren: Lindsey McDonald, Lindsey Olson, Kyle Olson, Ally Olson, as well as Gustav Koza and Lillian Koza. In addition, Cala left behind her brothers Andrew Smith and Peder Smith, her sister, Judy Dresden and her husband Mike and sister-in-law Thelma Stone as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Walter Olson Jr., her parents, Cedric and Evelyn Smith, her sisters Sydnee Doherty, Wendy Heitman, and her brother-in-law, Jay Stone.Cala was born on January 17, 1939 in Saginaw Michigan. She grew up the third of six children, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. She graduated from St. Paul's High School and went on to attend college where she met and married her best friend and unwavering supporter, Walter Olson on October 22, 1960 at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Cala continued her education while caring for her three children and earned her Master's Degree in Education from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. She continued her life-long passion as an advocate of early childhood education by founding and running Brite N Early Nursery Schools. While working and raising her children, she also enjoyed many varied interests including gardening, entertaining her friends, and connecting with and supporting many far-flung family members. One of her favorite pleasures was finding the best garage sales and then repurposing those magical finds. After Cala and Walt moved down to Zionsville, Indiana, she continued her career in child care by starting up Dependent Care Management of Indiana. While there, Cala and Walt also created a haven for friends, family, and Norwegian wanderers to come, enjoy their hospitality, and make lasting memories. Upon retiring, she and Walt then created a new destination for all in Siesta Key, Florida. While there, Cala became an ombudsman and worked for the State of Florida's Guardian Ad Litem program. She also joined and later became an officer in the Sarasota Garden Club as well as a member and then Elder of the Siesta Key Chapel.A Memorial Service, with refreshments to follow, will be held at Siesta Key Chapel, 4615 Gleason Ave, Sarasota, Florida 34242 on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 3 pm.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:Community Foundation of Sarasota County2635 Fruitville RdSarasota, FL 34242OR Siesta Key Chapel4615 Gleason AveSarasota, FL 34242Condolences may be shared at
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