With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Eleanor E. Olson, 73, who passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025, in Lady Lake, Florida.
Born on June 26, 1951, in New York City, Eleanor’s family moved to the New Jersey suburbs in 1964, where she spent her formative years. After graduating high school, she began her career at the Boy Scouts of America, where she met her future husband, Donald “Don” P. Olson. The two married in 1976, and a few years later, Don’s corporate relocation with the Boy Scouts took them to Dallas, Texas. There, Eleanor found her professional home at American Airlines, where she worked in roles of increasing responsibility. Her career with the airline was a perfect fit, allowing her and Don to travel extensively and create cherished memories together. Following Don’s retirement, they settled in The Villages, Florida, where they embraced a new chapter of life.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don; her parents, Mitchell and Tita Holmgren; and her nephew, Scott Mitchell Lysenko.
She is survived by her devoted siblings: her identical twin, Adrienne Spencer, and husband Bill Spencer of Lady Lake; Romelle Lysenko and husband Stan Lysenko of Somerset, NJ; and Mitchell Holmgren and wife Mary Holmgren of Readington, NJ. She also leaves behind her nephews, Stan Michael Lysenko and husband Andrew Burleson, and Max Holmgren. In addition, she is survived by her cherished bonus family: her stepdaughter, Virginia Hagen of Gainesville; granddaughter, Melissa Dezendorf and husband Joey Dezendorf; and great-grandson, Elyas Dezendorf of Los Alamos, New Mexico.
Eleanor had a gentle presence and a kind heart, qualities that endeared her to a circle of lifelong friends. She was an avid reader and a devoted cat lover; when illness prevented her from having pets, her home became a tribute to them, adorned with cat-themed art and keepsakes. Her bond with her twin, Adrienne, was profound and indescribable.
In 2006, Eleanor was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She faced her illness with grace and courage, enduring more than 18 years of treatment with unwavering strength. Her family is profoundly grateful for the life-sustaining care provided by her dedicated team at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and the compassionate support she received from Cornerstone Hospice in Lady Lake.
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