Laine Koster Olson

Our precious, beautiful wife, mother, Mor-Mor and Far-Mor as well as G-Ma (Grandma), and friend, Laine Koster Olson, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May, 11, 2019 at the age of 79. Although we are extremely saddened and heart broken, we are comforted to know she has reunited with her beloved parents, father Nikolai Koster and mother Melania Vesik Koster as well as childhood cat Sessa in Heaven.

Laine was born on November 26, 1939 in the village of Kihnu, Estonia, and was an only child.

She married her Honey Bear, Carl F. Olson, in Gothenburg, in Sweden on Oct 2, 1961, and traveled to the U.S. to start a new chapter of her life’s journey. Laine had a way with people, and cared for everyone who crossed her path on her Journey here on earth. She made many cherished friends and relationships. Laine was a true Angel of light. She shared so many talents like knitting, sewing, and cooking/baking. Everything she touched turned to gold.

Laine is survived by her husband: Carl Fernelius Olson, her four children, Nicky (Sue) Olson, Noel (Debbie) Olson, Angelique (Kyle) Goodrich and Mary Laine Olson-Bruce. She had eleven grandchildren: Zach, Chloe, Jacob, Aubrey, Bryce, Josh, Rhiannon, Sierra, Sydney, Jordan and Paige. As well as three great-grandchildren, Aiden, Kaylee and Jameson. There is another little angel on the way. Sister in-law Majken (Rex) Bood. Proceeded in death Father and Mother-in-law Carl Bert & Melva Olson, sister-in-law Melva (Darrell) Egbert, brother in-law Donald Olson.

When the era of World War II broke out, Laine’s father was drafted to serve when she was barely 1 year old. At the age of 4, Laine and her mother, along with extended family, had to escape Estonia with the soon to be uprising, Iron Curtain. They fled Estonia one night, in a small motor boat across to Sweden with nothing but the clothes on their backs. As they set out to sea, a young man had been waving and yelling to come back for him at the shore. They decided to take a risk and go back, unknowingly of who this man was, and a possible trick by the Russian Army to capture them from escaping.

The trip was long and many boats went under taking passengers, due to the surge of high waves and water filling the boats. My mother told me if they had not taken the leap of faith to go back for the young man, they would have gone under also. The man bailed out water during the entire trip so they would not sink and she referred to him as an “Angel”.

Once safely reaching the shore of Sweden, she remembers being taken away on trucks to bath houses and sleeping on the floor with other refugees. Laine and her Mother never saw her father again, yet they kept their hope alive. Not until Laine was 20 years old, did she find out the story of how her father had been captured and ended up in Russia as a prisoner of war and died there.

Laine remained in Sweden with her mom, until my father had met her on his mission. Carl had returned home back to America, and soon after he decided he wanted Laine to be his wife and called her with his intent of Marriage. Carl traveled back to Gothenburg, Sweden were they married on Oct 02, 1961. They then traveled by boat back to America to start a new and family in Salt Lake City, UT.

Laine stayed in touch with her mother by phone and was able to return for a few visits, as well as the final visit when her mother had passed away from a long battle with cancer.

Laine and Carl continued to build a life, and gave birth to 2 sons and 2 daughters.

Laine loved every minute she got with her grand and great grandchildren. She loved walking, and almost walked everywhere she would go. She loved reading books, all kinds but especially autobiographies and poetry. She loved the performing arts and Ballet. She loved spending time at their cabin in Idaho near Bear Lake. She loved the outdoors and had a special place in her heart for animals. Laine and Carl were able to visit Estonia and Sweden to visit relatives and life-long childhood friends once the Iron Curtain had been lifted. My mother always had good health and she felt taken care of by those who loved her most.

We will miss you mom and forever hold you in our hearts. Your infectious warm smile and beautiful ocean blue eyes that sparkled with love and kindness. You made an impression on everyone you met and accepted all with no judgement. You are an exceptional example of a true Angel, and all your love and compassion for all, including animals. Your light will always shine bright and we know you will be watching over us, until the sweet day we reunite.

A viewing will be held in her honor on Saturday May 18, 2019, at the Holladay 18th ward, located at 2625 East Milo Way Holladay, UT 84117, between 5:00pm-7:00pm. A family dinner will follow the viewing. We will be having a Celebration of Life at a later date (undetermined at this time).

Special thanks and in lieu of flowers you can make a donation to Best Friends Animal Society @ www.bestfriends.org.