Frances Olsen Obituary (1921

Frances Aughtry Arthur Olsen was born Jun 10, 1921 in Akron, Ohio, daughter of Marcus Wilson Arthur and Frances Elmira Young, both of Union, SC. She died peacefully Jul 14, 2015, at Morningside of Beaufort with her beloved cat, Tiger, nearby. When Fran was eight, her mother died suddenly. That night, a neighbor showed Fran a new star in the sky and told her it was her mother. Now Fran is up there, too, shining brightly. In 1935, Fran's father moved his children (Fran, Marcus, and Dogan) to Jackson, MI where he married Genevieve Dunn Smith. Fran felt blessed to gain a new mother and an additional sibling, Roger Smith. A fourth brother, John, was born in 1938. In May 1943, shortly before graduating with a degree in Biology, Fran was crowned May Queen at Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Back in Jackson, she became a lab technician. In 1947 Fran was married to John Theodore Olsen at the family home by the Presbyterian pastor in Jackson. They raised collies and Angus cattle in Milan, MI. Relatives fondly recall delicious Angus burgers during visits to the farm. Fran and John moved to Ann Arbor before retiring in the early 80s to Beaufort, SC. They travelled the world, enjoying fly-fishing in Montana and excursions to Europe, China, India, and beyond. Fran kept detailed diaries of their travels which she generously shared with family members. Fran and John challenged each other with Spite & Malice card games into their 80s. Before moving to Morningside, she nurtured bonsai plants in their yard by the Intercostal and was a competitive golfer and bridge player. Fran settled happily into Morningside, where she was first in line for her usual breakfast of eggs, bacon, and grits. She participated in most activities, even trying Wii Bowling. An avowed "chocoholic," Fran considered Hershey's kisses with almonds a food group, and winning candy bars at Bingo never lost its appeal. Always an avid reader, Fran kept a stack of books (as well as Tiger and something chocolate) close by. Fran lived in the moment, not worrying about the past or the future. She didn't believe in complaining: if something wasn't to her liking - or she heard someone grumble - Fran shrugged her shoulders and matter-of-factly stated, "That's just the way it is." In other words, focus on your blessings and forget the rest. Fran was predeceased by her husband and three brothers. She is survived by her brother, the Very Rev. Roger Smith and his wife, Headley, of Beaufort, SC and Keene, NY; sister-in-law, Jean McConkey Arthur Yeager of Westwood, MA; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will miss her sparkling blue eyes, quick wit, fine mind, and big heart. The family offers deepest thanks to the staff at Morningside and to Roxanne Cheney who loved her as we did. The Rev. Dr. Patrick Perryman of Frist Presbyterian Church, Beaufort, will preside at a graveside service at St Helena Cemetery at 11:00 am, Sep 22. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, designating the gift for "Tabby House Fund" (Box 23019, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925) or to First Presbyterian Church (Box 1226, Beaufort, SC 29901).