Stella Joyce Olsen, age 72, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, September 19, 2021. She was surrounded by her loved ones.
Joyce was born December 9, 1948 in Brandon, Manitoba to Alexander and Phyllis Wilson. She was the second oldest of 12 children. She and her family joined the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and move to Arizona shortly after. At age 19, she met Les Olsen at a dance at the Mezona. They fell head over heels for each other and were sealed in the Mesa Arizona LDS temple on April 19, 1968. They went on to have six children, 27 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
Joyce loved to learn, and always had a desire to teach and help children. She went back to school in her forties, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Education. She spent several years teaching pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, where she touched the hearts of many children. She was an inspiration to everyone who met her.
Joyce’s greatest joy was being with her family. She spent countless nights attending her grandchildren’s recitals and sporting events and took any chance she had to spend time with those she loved. She and Les enjoyed spending their retirement traveling, serving church missions, going to the movies, and hosting Sunday dinners for her family. She was always up for an adventure.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Les Olsen; her children Kyle (Daena) Olsen, Lainie Neus, David (Julie) Olsen, Todd Olsen, Ryan (Rachel) Olsen, Kristen (Nathan) Brinson; 27 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son in law, Brian Neus; mother, Phyllis Peterson, and father, Alexander Wilson; sister Ann Benton, brothers Terry Wilson and Ronny Wilson.
A viewing will be held Thursday, September 23rd from 6-8pm at Bunker Family Funeral University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213. The funeral service will be held Friday, September 24th at 11am, with a viewing from 10-11am, at the LDS church building, 2618 N. Lindsay Rd., Mesa, AZ 85213. Joyce will be laid to rest at the Mesa Cemetery in Mesa, AZ.
She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Ralph and Patsy Engstrom
We are very sorry for your loss of a very fine lady and matriarch. Kyle, it is never easy to lose those we love, especially mother. ARLIN and I will keep our prayers lifted that you will find peace and comfort as you mourn Sis. Olsen’s passing. We send our love to you and all of the Olsen Family.
She was a sweet and gentle soul. Our sincere condolences at the loss of Joyce.
I have fond memories of Joyce. She was a great Relief Society President, and was so fun to be around. Happy and smart and funny. Your whole family was an inspiration to me! My deep sympathies to you and yours!
Our thoughts and prayers are with Les and family on the loss of a truly noble lady. She was always a vibrant spirit, even after a challenging day at school. Knowing her enriched our lives. God bless and comfort you.
Joyce was my grandma Ann’s best friend and sister. I read letters the two wrote to each other in their younger years and tears were shed. After my grandmas death at a young age Joyce showed up to very import parts of my life. I will forever be grateful she was at my marriage ceremony where my sweet grandma could not come. Joyce you will be missed. My prayers are with your immediate family. May they find peace in this time. May you run to your sisters, brothers and parents arms as you greet them after many long years. Until we meet again ❤️
Les and family,
Our deepest condolences to Les and family for your loss. Joyce will be missed so much by everyone. Sending you love and hugs.
My heart aches for your loss. May God bless the Olsen family and bring you all peace. Ofa lahi ‘atu.
Dear family, we love your Mother and the wonderful Olsen family. Please know that you are in our prayers. 💕
We have all lost a great friend (somehow she made everyone feel like they were her best friend). She was the most shining example to me and my family. Our hearts and prayers are with her loved ones.
We loved knowing Joyce & Les and their children. Lots of good memories of fun times spent together. I am sure she will be near to minister to you through the coming days as you mourn her loss. You will be in our prayers.
So sorry for you loss, Les and family, our prayers and thoughts are with you all today and every day, joyce will be missed by so many, we love you all take care,love your family from Canada, 🇨🇦💐💖
God Bless You All!
Oh my how the years pass by …the friends we met on our journey thru life those special brothers and sisters we learn to love and share memories with … the special Olsen family Les and Joyce and family . We spent lots of time with you as neighbors and loved ones! God will bless each of you in your loss ! Lots of love and prayers to all of you
Andy and Karma Alton 💕🌹
Joyce, was always concerned about others. I saw it in everything she did. I also loved how easy it was just to be myself around her. I was grateful she and I became friends, when I grew up in the same ward. She was my teacher/ leader in Young women’s She chose me to be her kids’ babysitter at about 13. She chose me to go to girls camp with her as a a camp mom when I was a young adult. We had so much fun, she was a blast to hang out with. She always seemed to just want to be a friend to me and called me up a couple years ago just to have a beautiful chat about everything..ie politics to friends to memories. This was my last conversation with her. I’ve been thinking alot about her since hearing she passed. I was in the hospital and wasn’t able to attend her funeral.. but I really regret and wish I had taken my time out to visit her when she was here as she always seemed to be looking out for me, in my life. She was like that for everyone in her life , especially her family but I’m so grateful she included me too. I hope to see her one day and give her a GIANT hug.