Clara Salzgaber Olsen

December 29, 1925 - October 11, 2016

Clara Salzgaber Olsen

December 29, 1925 - October 11, 2016

Obituary

Clara Salzgaber Olsen died after a short hospitalization on October 11, 2016. She was born to Elsie and Clarence Salzgaber of Columbus, Ohio, on December 29, 1925. She grew up in a busy and loving household as one of eight children. She graduated from Hilliard H.S. and Franklin University and was employed as an executive secretary at the Park Federal Savings and Loan Association.
She met her husband, Fred Olsen, at a dance in Ohio and they were married on September 5, 1948, and celebrated 63 years of marriage until his death in 2011.
Mom became a homemaker developing wonderful cooking/baking skills. She grew her own fruits and vegetables and preserved jar upon jar of the healthy and the sweet. She branched out with her own whole wheat sourdough yeast for baking bread, pancakes, and doughnuts. Her berry pies were without rival and coveted by many. She and dad enjoyed entertaining at their home using the good china, fine stemware, and serving delicious food. Mom would never sit down during these occasions as she was always concerned about the well being of others. It became a bit of family humor as we would always say, “Mom, you need to sit down and join us!”
Mom and dad traveled extensively abroad including a two year stint in New Delhi, India, and a six month adventure throughout Europe in a Volkswagen Campmobile.
She enjoyed playing card games, Mexican Train Dominoes, and Scrabble. Sometimes she would forget the rules to these games, but would somehow manage to be victorious at the end. Go figure. Clara and Fred attended WWU sporting events. They especially enjoyed Western basketball where they were perennial season ticket holders.
Mom was a collector of Depression glass. Her milk glass collection was a source of pride as was her collection of Heisey toothpick holders.
Through the years she devoted much time to the Eastern Star and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Clara served as past Worthy Matron of Maple Leaf Chapter.
After her husband’s death, Clara moved to the Parkway Chateau where she enjoyed many friendships and activities. She loved her weekly game of Beanbag Baseball where she was crowned the “Homerun Queen.” Ultimately, mom was always a staunch supporter of her family far and near!
She is survived by two of her sisters Mary Brush and Betty Patch of Ohio, son Fred (Sandy), daughter Christine, grandson Scott (Erin) and great grandson Quentin.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 21, at 3:00 PM at Greenacres Memorial Park. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Whatcom Humane Society.

Funeral Service

  • Date & Time: October 21, 2016 (12:00 AM)
  • Venue: Greenacres Memorial Park And Event CenterFerndale
  • Location: 5700 Northwest Drive Ferndale, WA 98248 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (360) 38-4-3401

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6 responses to Clara Salzgaber Olsen

  1. Clara was always a cheerful and concerned hostess at our glass club meetings. We will miss her smiling face.

  2. David Patch says:

    What a wonderful photo tribute of Aunt Clara, Uncle Fred, and all the family. So many memories flood back seeing the places I knew and loved being with them. Watching the images of others that have gone on before them too, bring back amazing times and laughter we had during family times.
    Thanks so much for sharing the video images online for us all to see.

    Fred and Clara both impacted my life so much and seeing the photos is a beautiful reminder of how special they were to so many throughout their lives.

  3. With sincere hearts, we send our sympathies to Clara’s family. Betty and David, you are in our prayers… please call if you need anything.

  4. Clara was a delightful, energetic, nosey, loving, genuine friend. She would laugh at Fred not leaving meassages on the phone recorder. She said, “Fred is sooo funny, he just smacks his shoe on the counter so I know he called.” Then she would rat herself out for her love of talking. “Fred says, breathe Clara, breathe!” She will be missed as a friend and member of Maple Leaf OES. Prayers of comfort for the family, and when you think you hear Clara’s voice you will, she is always everywhere!

  5. Aunt Clara was a wonderful warm hearted woman. She and my father, Clarence, were close since they both shared like names. She was Clara and he was Clarence. Aunt Clara was a great communicator. She sent me many birthday cards letters and articles. She cared about her family and wanted us to keep in touch.
    My husband Michael and I took our boys out west and we stopped to see Aunt Clara and Uncle Fred. We had not told them we were coming in advance but they were warm and wonderful to us. Aunt Clara made us a great lunch that we enjoyed together. Aunt Clara will be missed by many people and I am grateful for her love and the love that she always showed for her family.

    We will all miss her very much,

    Love,

    Elizabeth, Michael, Allen, Jeremy, and Joslyn West

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