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09/29/2021 12:00 AM


Deep River

Elinor Jane Olson, 89, of Deep River passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was the beloved wife John Francis Olson and a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Born in Maine on Sept. 19, 1932, to parents Alexander and Marjorie LaFleur, she was known as “Jane from Maine.” She spent her childhood traveling for her father’s military career; he was a World War II colonel and the attorney general of Maine. She then attended the University of New Hampshire (UNH), where she studied to be a social worker and was a member of Phi Mu. UNH is also where she met her husband John Olson.

The couple resided in Deep River for more than 60 years where they raised their sons, James and Andrew. An active member of the community and her husband’s biggest supporter, Jane was a generous and loving woman to all who had the fortune of knowing her. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening and caring for her family’s property. She also volunteered her time helping others as a driver for FISH. She enjoyed watching Jeopardy and Red Sox games with John.

Jane is survived by her sons, Andrew Olson and James Olson and his wife Kim; her grandchildren Alex Olson and his wife Caroline, Nich Olson and his fiancée Kristen Chasse, Mia Gerik and her husband Geoff, and Shelby and Thomas Olson. She also leaves her beloved great-grandchildren Theodore, Harrison, Elinor, and Hallie and her sister, Anne Fernald of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

She was predeceased by her husband John and brother-in-law Dr. Jerry Fernald.

A private burial will be held in the Fountain Hill Cemetery in Deep River. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Deep River Ambulance Association or to the Deep River Fire Department. To share a memory of Jane or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.