Helping her friend sort through pictures.
In the last month, we said goodbye to a loved household member. Patricia Helen Olsen, known as Patsy passed away on September 24th, 2026. She leaves the legacy of a quiet strength and a sweet, welcoming spirit. I once introduced her to a visitor and said that Patsy had been a nurse. Patsy scowled a bit and said, “I am a nurse. Once a nurse, always a nurse!” And she was right. Although she had a dementia diagnosis, certain observation and assessment skills never left her. In fact, there was a time she thought of herself as staff at Hope & A Future. She attended staff meetings and wanted to take quizzes following continuing education. I was often surprised at how many questions she could answer. Often her concerns about residents that were not feeling well were spot on. When she felt well, she loved serving her housemates and helping wherever she could.
She had a subtle and almost snarky sense of humor. It was never mean but very perceptive. She would deliver a line with a smirk or raised eyebrow. And it was received the same way with an occasionally surprised staff person saying, “Patsy!” in surprise. On good days she was delightful!
When Patsy felt well, she said a table prayer for group meals. And she often enjoyed having staff read devotions to the group and discussing them. One day a resident had stated that she didn’t think God loved her. The discussion took the direction of how God refers to us as his children and how much parents love their little children. Patsy said, “Yes, I think He loves us like that. And He wants us to love him and be kind to each other. I think that’s the whole thing.” I agree.
Patsy with Chaplain Carmela
On days she did not feel well enough to be up she made it clear that she did not care for our encouragement to try to get up. On those days, things just were not working well for her and she felt better in bed. Over time there were more tired days. Eventually a day came when she said she could not get up anymore. She was too tired.
During her last weeks, Patsy was just as sweet as she had been during the three and a half years she lived with us. When we checked on her and asked how she was doing, she often responded with “I am doing just fine.” Occasionally, with her eyes closed, she would ask, “And what have you been doing?” Because she was mostly sleeping her question surprised us so much that it took us a minute to gather our thoughts to answer. Even as her life was ending, she was interested in knowing what others were doing and how they were feeling. Her care and concern for others is an important part of her legacy.
Handing out shamrock shakes.
Patsy also loved being Irish. She loved St. Patrick’s Day parties at Hope & A Future. According to her family she had a long history of enjoying St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. She loved everything about the day. Dressing up in fun green clothing complete with silly headbands, eating Irish stew and listening to and singing along with Irish music. She loved many kinds of music and enjoyed singing. She had a pretty soprano voice. At the very time she passed away, most of us were enjoying a bowl of Irish stew. And we all gathered around her to sing one last Irish song for her. We will miss her gentle yet strong sweet voice and spirit–especially on St. Patrick’s Day. We are grateful to have shared her last years with her.