Carol Ann Olson

Carol Olson (March 18, 1945 – August 1, 2026)

Carol Olson passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, in Berkeley, California, at the age of 81. Born on March 18, 1945, in Lodi, California, Carol lived a life filled with curiosity, humor, kindness, and love for her students, family, friends, and the California Golden Bears.

Carol shared nearly 47 years of marriage with her husband, David. Together, they built a life filled with family, friendships, traditions, and countless memories.

For 38 years, Carol dedicated herself to teaching in the Berkeley Unified School District (first at Longfellow School, the first year of Desegregation, then John Muir School, and Emerson, and finally Willard Middle School). Teaching was a calling. She believed deeply in the potential of children and brought care, intelligence, humor, (chaos), and high expectations to her classrooms. Generations of Berkeley students and colleagues were touched by her commitment to education and her ability to make learning meaningful and joyful.

Carol loved Cal athletics, especially Cal Football, and Fall Saturdays were reserved for cheering on the Bears. She was a loyal and optimistic fan. “Roll On You Bears!” was more than a cheer—it was part of who she was.

Her interests reflected her endless curiosity and love of learning. As a graduate in history from UC Berkeley, she had a passion for history, trivia, Jeopardy, books, spelling, and sharing a good bottle of wine with friends and family. She loved a spirited conversation, a challenging question, and the satisfaction of knowing the answer.

Her happiest place was in the mountains at our family cabin in Twain Harte. Surrounded by pine trees, the Lake and family traditions, the cabin was where Carol felt most at peace. It was a place filled with laughter, games, conversations, swimming the triangle, and soaking up the sun sitting on the Rock with multiple generations of friends and family. Although she was unable to spend time there this summer, her family brought Twain Harte to her through photographs, pine trees, Scrabble games, blackjack, toasts, and stories that brought her comfort and joy.

Carol is survived by her husband, David; her sister, Lynn; her daughters, Blair (Tim) and Elizabeth (Dan); her four beloved grandchildren, Thomas, Jake, Edison, and Michael (Mikey), who knew her as “MorMor”; and many extended family members, dear friends, former students, and colleagues whose lives were made richer by knowing her.

In the months leading up to her passing, Carol was deeply grateful for the many visits, calls, texts, and messages from friends and loved ones. She treasured your stories, seeing your faces, and staying connected to the people who meant so much to her.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Chaparral House in Berkeley for the exceptional care, compassion, and the dignity they provided to Carol during her final months. Their kindness brought comfort to Carol and to her entire family, and we are deeply thankful.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held in mid-November  at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Berkeley.
Contact the family at eliz.a.olson@gmail.com for more information.

Carol’s legacy lives on through the countless students she inspired, the family and friends she cherished, and all who were fortunate enough to experience her humor, generosity, intelligence, and love of life. If you feel compelled to honor Carol’s legacy, it is her wish that donations be made to the Berkeley Public Schools Fund, https://www.berkeleypublicschoolsfund.org/online-donation/ in her honor. Thank you for your love and support.

Roll On You Bears! 💙💛🥂

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