Dorothy Alice Olsen

Dorothy Alice (Cook) Olsen, known fondly by most as “Dottie,” passed away at the age of 80 on Wednesday, May 10th, 2017, at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in San Diego, California. From her birth in Rumford, ME, on February 26, 1937 to her passing, she blessed those around her with generosity, laughter and endless conversations. She was born to Jimmy and Eleanor (Landry) Cook, the older of two children. She spent most of her childhood with her grandmother, Alice Landry (“Memay”), whom she spoke of lovingly and taught her to speak Canadian French fluently. Dottie graduated from Stephens High School and went on to own “Dottie’s Pizza,” located on Roxbury Road, then worked for the Social Security Administration from which she retired after 30 years and eventually became a pharmacy technician, just to be able to continue to be around people. She raised four wonderful children and met a gentleman by the name of Bob Olsen, who stole her heart and married her in West Palm Beach, FL in 1987. Dottie and Bob eventually left Maine and moved to West Palm Beach, FL to continue working and enjoying time with family and friends. From Florida, they decided it was time to move once again and eventually settled in Maryville, TN. Mom had a real zest for life and found excitement, joy and fun in all that she did and accomplished. Often referred to as the “Energizer Bunny” due to her bountiful energy level, Dottie loved going to casinos, watching NASCAR and the Red Sox, traveling and road trips, cooking, baking, making candy, reading, gardening, tanning at the pool, spending time with friends and family and was known lovingly to some of her family as the “Hummingbird Whisperer” as she just seemed to possess a magical touch when it came to hummingbirds. She will always be remembered for her enthusiasm, generosity and genuine love for her family and friends. Left to honor Dottie and remember her love and excitement for life are three children, Cindy Barner (Roy), Michael DeConzo and Dan DeConzo; three additional children, Ricky Olsen, Robby Olsen and Darcie Pollis; six beloved grandchildren with whom she had special bonds, Leslie Knaff (Jimmy), Michael DeConzo II (Stephanie), Aaron Sinclair, Leonardo DeConzo, Ariel DeConzo and Isabella DeConzo; two great-grandchildren, Austin Spranger and Paytyn Knaff; her brother, Jimmy Cook; and her beloved cat, Angel. A memorial service will be held in her honor on July 8, 2017, in Rumford, ME. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

Dorothy Alice Olsen

February 26, 1937 - May 10, 2017