Jean "Dorothy" Olsen

Dorothy Jean Harding Olsen, born December 22, 1918, the middle daughter of Ruby Morrison Harding and Leonard H. Harding in Brooklyn, New York, died on November 24, 2010 in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Jean, as she was known, was married in 1939 to Donald K. Olsen. She is survived by daughter, Dorothy Knealing of Carlsbad, NM and son, Dr. Donald H. Olsen and daughter-in-law Barbara E. Olsen of Reamstown, Pennsylvania. Jean is also survived by grandson, Donald H. Knealing, Jr. and his wife Roxy Knealing, granddaughter Destini Knealing Grayson, husband Steven and great-great grandson Zayne and grandsons, Jacob and Dylan Knealing all of Carlsbad, New Mexico and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death her husband, Donald, grandson James Knealing, sisters Carol Zander and Betty Weston and son-in-law, Donald Knealing, Sr. Jean resided for many years in Brooklyn, New York, Rahway, New Jersey and Shohola, Pennsylvania before moving to Carlsbad in 2001. A devoted wife and mother, she was also a good neighbor and friend. As an active member of two Methodist churches, she organized and chaired fairs and rummage sales. In Rahway, New Jersey, Jean was founding President of two PTA's. In Pennsylvania Jean worked for the Area Agency on Aging in Pike County. In earlier years, Jean wrote poetry and enjoyed painting landscapes. Jean moved to Landsun Homes Assisted Living in 2003 and resided in HSC in the manor for the past few years. Jean enjoyed her Landsun family and participating in the varied activities offered there, including The Red Hat Club. She will be remembered for her smile! There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Knealing Cemetery in Shohola, Pennsylvania. Memorial contributions may be made to the Landsun Homes Caring Hands Fund, 2002 Westridge Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220.