Lorraine Olson, a life-long resident of Turlock, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024 at the age of 96. She was the beloved wife of Daniel F Olson for 72 years, when he predeceased her in 2021. She was the loving mother of three daughters—Dana (Donald) Syverson of Wrentham, MA, Karen (Ken) Rapp of Turlock, and Janet (Micheal) Maxwell of Sonora. She was the cherished grandmother of seven grandchildren—Kristi (Robert) Mayfield, Karl (Pam) Rapp, Karina (Mike) Gorshe, Kurt (Sabrina) Rapp; Ryan (Sadie) Maxwell, Jared (Ana) Maxwell, Austin Maxwell; and seven greatgrandchildren—Jacob and fiancée Carly Davison, Daniel, and Abigail Maxwell; June and Elsie Mayfield; Lena , Liv, and Bodie Rapp; Ellie Gorshe; and Lukas Rapp. She is survived by her sister Marvel Kirkham of Redlands, CA and was predeceased by siblings Roberta Mattson of Brentwood, TNand Morris Francine of Cumming, GA. Shewas a beloved sister-in-law and aunt.
Lorraine was born on February 17, 1928 at Emanuel Hospital in Turlock. She attended Turlock schools and graduated from Turlock High School in 1946. Her parents, Henning and Marie (Bergstrom) Francine, were both children of Swedish immigrants and members of the (Swedish) Evangelical Free Church, now known as Crossroads. Lorraine and Dan were high school sweethearts and married in 1948. They raised their three daughters in Turlock. Lorraine and Dan were members of the Evangelical Free Church. Lorraine lived her Christian faith every day.
With her mother the organist and uncle the choir director, Lorraine grew up with alifelong love of music. She used her musical talents to sing and play the piano and organ for many church-related activities.
Lorraine loved her roles as wife, mother and homemaker and was known for being an accomplished seamstress and baker, as well as for her gift of hospitality. Over the years her friends and neighbors came to love the familiar aroma of her freshly baked cardamom spiced Swedish coffee bread. Lorraine embraced her Swedish roots and loved to participate in the annual Skandifest festivals held in Turlock. She sang at many funerals, and was often asked to sing songs inSwedish. She loved reading, sewing and quilting, until macular degeneration prevented her from enjoying those hobbies, however she continued to enjoy playing the piano until the last few years of her life.
Lorraine and Dan moved to the Covenant Living Community in Turlock in 2004, where they lived happily together until her disabling stroke in 2018. As a result, she lived in Skilled Care at Covenant Living for the remaining years of her life.
The Olson family would like to thank and commend all the members of the Care Center staff that provided continuous care and support for Lorraine so sweetly and tenderly for the last six years of her life. Her family would also like to thank the staff of CovenantCare Hospice for their superb support to Lorraine and her family in her final days. A burial service was held privately. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to CovenantCare Hospice or Covenant Living of Turlock.
