Olga Cristina Magnusen, nee Olga C. Talavera, of The Villages, FL, was born in Havana, Cuba in 1949 and came to the USA in 1962 through the Pedro Pan operation (with her brother Pete Talavera).
A naturalized citizen, she graduated from Old Dominion University, and earned an MS from St. John’s University in New York. In 1974, she moved to Miami, Florida as a Career Counselor at Florida International University in the State University System. Over time, FIU became one of the largest public universities in the country and Olga became its Senior Director of Career Services —winning awards for Employee of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, and for Leadership in Student Affairs. In 1982 she married Karl Magnusen—a Professor of Management & International Business—and the couple lived happily as partners for 34 years. Pancreatic cancer took her on July 18, 2017, just 3 weeks before a 35th wedding anniversary.
While working, Olga served on numerous professional boards (e.g., Walt Disney World College Relations, the Florida Board of Regents, JobTRAK, and Resume Expert Systems). As well, she served as president of the Florida College Placement Association (FCPA) and often was a career-focused guest on “Despierta America,” the Spanish version of “Good Morning America.” Her professional recognitions include: Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who in the South & Southwest, Who’s Who Among Hispanic Americans, and the National Distinguished Service Registry.
Always an active person, Olga traveled throughout the United States and enjoyed visits to Canada, Mexico, England, Spain, Italy, Africa, and parts of the Caribbean. In retirement, she and Karl moved to The Villages, FL (in 2005) where Olga was known for her “woo hoo” enthusiasm in organizing social events for the Darlington neighborhood of Liberty Park. She collected international dolls, loved her Talavera-Magnusen families—and pets, attempted to play golf, preferred pickle ball, and cultivated a positive world view. And she would thank again all her neighbors, friends and caregivers for their support and compassionate help during her final days. Smiles to all!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 7, 2017 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Wildwood, FL at 10 a.m. A private “celebration of life” will be held at a later date—as will a private burial in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Olga’s name may be made to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org).
