Lydia Ann Olson

Lydia Ann Olson was born in Garden City, Michigan, in 1935, to Frank and Anna Gunther, originally of Zerbst, Germany, and died peacefully in her sleep on April 1, 2025.

She was greatly loved and had a positive impact on many lives throughout her life, especially her husband of 49 years, Eugene “Gene”, kids Randy, Cathryn (David, daughters Lindsay & Chelsea), Rick, Tracy (Kim, daughter Sarah and son Adam), Rod, Dave (Heather, son Connor), and Dane (Cynthia, sons Noah, Steven, Daniel and daughter Katherine), and several great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, and children, Randy and Tracy.

She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Michigan and was a lifelong Wolverine with strong Michigan roots.  She became a registered nurse and cared for people while practicing at the University of Michigan Hospital and later in a private practice in Plymouth, Michigan.  In retirement she was an avid boater, along with her husband, and became an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, serving for more than 20 years and rising to the rank of District Commodore.  In 2003, she and Gene moved from Plymouth, MI to Middletown, DE to be near family.

Lydia was kind, caring of others, selfless, and fiercely independent.  She loved art and was a talented watercolor artist.  She was an excellent cook, a prolific reader, and enjoyed working on puzzles of all kinds.  She enjoyed movies and upheld a personal tradition of watching the Oscars in their entirety every year, maintaining a streak of 60+ years.  She enjoyed spending time with friends and neighbors, particularly in art classes, book clubs and pinochle groups.

She was beloved by her family and she will be missed!

The family will hold a private celebration of life in May, and Lydia will be interred at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery with her husband.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests supporting the Gibby Center of the Arts by donating to The Everett, Inc, 47 W. Main St., Middletown, DE, 19709.