Gwendolyne Lorraine Olson was born on September 21, 1928 in Marinette, Wisconsin to Russell and Lily Pence.

Gwen was known to her close family and friends as Lorraine or LaLa as her nieces and nephews often called her.

Gwen grew up and married Keith Olson while living in North Portland. She graduated from Jefferson High School. While in high school she began working at Montgomery Wards in Northwest Portland where over the next 35 years she rose through the ranks to manager. Upon her retirement she was one of the highest ranking women in the region to work for Montgomery Wards.

In 1978 Gwen and her husband moved to Scappoose, OR.

Where she enjoyed gardening, raising farm animals, crocheting,

volunteering in the local and state garden clubs and spending time with her beloved husband, dog and family.

Gwen passed away quietly surrounded by her nieces in her home in Scappoose, OR, she was 89 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years Keith Emery Olson, sisters, Juanita Heider of Portland OR, Betty Ellsworth of Priest River, Idaho, Josephine Ollikkala of Scappoose, OR, Valee Smith of St Helens, OR and brothers Lionel Pence of Portland, Charles Pence of Lynwood, WA and Billy Pence of Portland, OR.

Gwen is survived by several nieces and nephews.