Eleanor Tysdal Olson

March 19, 1932 - November 25, 2016

Eleanor Tysdal Olson Obituary (Age 84) Eleanor Olson received her eternal calling on November 25, 2016 and is now dancing in Heaven with the love of her life. She was born on her sisters birthday, March 19, 1932 to Martin Luther and Teresa (Kuborn) Tysdal on the prairies of Vantage, Saskatchewan. Her family immigrated to the United States when she was 2 years old. They were on their way to Seattle when they stopped in Bonners Ferry, ID and settled there. Eleanor married Laurence L. Olson on May 9, 1951. Shortly after that, they built their first home themselves. They moved to Spokane in 1958, following Laurences job with the railroad. They bought an apartment building on Spokanes South Hill and raised their family there. Many of the tenants adopted them as surrogate parents. They developed long-lasting relationships with many of them over the years. Eleanor was very active in the Irving PTA while her kids attended school. She was chairman of many school carnivals and other fund raisers for the school and was always there to drive a group of kids on a field trip. She was an accomplished seamstress, spending many hours at her sewing machine. She ran a sewing business out of her home doing alterations, new garments, and costumes for many Gonzaga minstrel shows. After her children were grown, she worked outside the home as an Administrative Assistant for Cominco American. Eleanor took an active role in her church and was a voice for the youth, serving on committees locally, district-wide and nationally. She served as congregational president several times over the years and as treasurer up until recently. She and her husband developed many lifelong friends through the church. A special group of friends named themselves the JBOPs and often traveled and played many a card game together. Family vacations were very important to Eleanor. Many hours were spent fishing at Kootenay Lake and lots of water fun and pancake breakfasts were the highlight of trips to Priest Lake. She also took pride in her flower gardens and taught many of the tips to growing beautiful flowers. She is preceded in death by her husband, Laurence L. Olson; parents, Martin Luther and Teresa Tysdal; sister, Theora Forestel; and brother, Creston Tysdal. She is survived by her children, Lora Lee (Jay) Carlson and Kent (Barbara) Olson. Her grandchildren Emily (Jon) Rappe, Tyler (Kimber) Hunter, Hillary Hunter, Heather (Nathan) Miller, and Phillip (Briana) Olson were a special part of her life. She also took pride in her great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 9, 2016 at 11:00am at All Saints Lutheran Church, 314 S Spruce.