Trudy Louise Olsen

It is with great sadness that the family of Trudy Louise Olsen announce her peaceful passing on May 9, 2026 a the age of 86.

Trudy was born at home in New Perlican, Newfoundland, Canada to Peter and Louise Burridge on September 13, 1939. Her last days were spent at her home in Seal Beach, California in the company of her husband, children and grandchildren. Trudy is survived by her husband, William (Bill) Richard Olsen at home, her children, Janet Louise Fishman-Heard, Kim Yvonne Swan-Hafer (Allen Hafer), Robert Lyle Fishman (Miriam Fishman), seven Grandchildren, and one great-grandchild as well as her siblings Ruth, Ann, Peggy and Peter. Two sisters, Glendene and Judy preceded her in death.

The oldest of seven children Trudy married Gordon Howard Fishman, and American Serviceman, in August of 1955. Trudy and Gordon had three children, Janet, Kim and Robert. They divorced in 1970.

Trudy married William Richard Olsen in November of 1974. With Kim and Robert still young, they became a family unit. The especially enjoyed camping and hiking together. Bill referred to Trudy as a Mountain Goat, such was her enthusiasm for hiking up mountain trails.

Family gatherings were paramount to Trudy and no amount of time with her adored grandchildren was enough. Holidays were big productions with lots of decorations and always an overabundance of delicious food. Trudy's siblings and extended family.

When Trudy left Newfoundland in 1955 she brought with her a sixth grade education, and the motivation to learn new skills and employ them in creative ways. She taught herself to sew and made most of her children's clothing and many household items for many years, including curtains, bedspreads, toy boxes and even down sleeping bags. When two of her children had started school, Trudy earned her high school diploma. Later she completed a college program to become an optician, specializing in contact lenses.

Trudy was raised in a Christian family and recalled that her mother slept with her Bible under her pillow. Beginning on the 1970's she began a journey back to the faith of her youth, together with her husband Bill; from the Methodist Church, to attending in-home Bible studies, to Grace Brethren Church Long Beach, to Calvary Chapel Fountain Valley and finally Calvary Chapel Westminster, which they attended until her health made travel to services too difficult.

Trudy's faith was evidenced in her dogeared Bible. Every page had parts highlighted in yellow marker and some well used pages had begun to be released from the binding.

Until a stroke in her 70's Trudy could be seen jogging or speed walking around her neighborhood, and was appreciated as a friendly and responsible community member. After her stroke, Trudy worked very hard to become stronger, to walk by herself and do as many things as possible with her left hand, including writing her many Christmas cards and personal notes.

Trudy will be fondly remembered by her devoted husband, her loving family and her friends and neighbors.