Edna Marie Olson, passed away peacefully in her apartment at El Cerrito Royale in El Cerrito, CA on April 4, 2017 as a result of a broken hip. Edna, still a lively103, had moved into assisted living the year before after living in her home on Peralta Avenue in Albany, CA for 65 years.

Edna was born on December 7, 1913 in Clovis, CA. Her mother, Anna Eleanora Jonsson was born 1891 in Knaften, Lycksele, Sweden, and her father, Johan Alexius (Alex) Viklund was born 1888 in Bygdsiljum Burtrask, Sweden. Edna, born early, used to say she was so small her crib was a shoe box in a dresser drawer. She learned to speak English in kindergarten. Edna had two brothers, Nels Ebert and Alvin, who both predeceased her. The three were very close although Alvin died at an early age. Growing up in the valley, Edna developed love of fruits and vegetables, which, along with walking everywhere, including 21 steps to her front door, undoubtedly contributed to her long and healthy life.

Edna moved to the Bay Area where she met her first husband Charles Edward “Eddie” Johnson. They were married and lived in El Cerrito and Albany, CA. He was in the insurance business and eventually had his own agency where Edna assisted as well as being the homemaker. During WWII, Edna was a “Rosie” operating a lathe making gears for bomb bay doors in Berkeley. Eddie was very active in Albany Post 292, American Legion while Edna also became very active in the Auxiliary. In addition to the Auxiliary, Edna was a lifelong member of the Swedish Vasa and served as Santa Lucia on more than one occasion. They loved hosting BBQs in their back yard, and with Eddie’s BBQ skill and Edna’s cooking skill they were a good team.

After Eddie’s passing in 1983, Edna met Roy Elmer Olson, another Scandinavian and a retired Berkeley Firefighter, and they were married in 1986. Along with Roy, Edna inherited the extended Olson family including Roy’s daughter, Dolores, his four brothers and their extended families. Wonderful times were had by the whole clan. A favorite for many Olson’s were Edna’s wonderful meals and cakes. Edna and Roy traveled by cruise ship to Bermuda and Hawaii, usually with friends, as well as trips in California. They continued to be very active in both the American Legion and Vasa.

Edna is survived by her daughter, Stephanie, her step daughter, Dolores Robinson and husband, Robby, three grandchildren Patrick Norton and wife Kim, Michael Norton and wife Margaret, Jerry Norton, six great grandchildren and three great, great, grandchildren. Additionally, Edna is survived by her nieces Jan and Chris as well as Eddie’s nieces, Suzy and Melanie, and nephew Jerry.

Edna was blessed with wonderful neighbors during her 65 years on Peralta Avenue. In her younger years she was “Grandma” to the two twins next door who are now grown up with children of their own. Her neighbors on the other side were very supportive as Edna aged. Across the street and up and down the street everyone knew and liked Edna. Although she lived alone after Roy died in September 1999, Edna was never alone because of the wonderful neighbors on Peralta Avenue. She was a lifelong Lutheran and church member who
enjoyed visits by her pastor in her later years

Edna loved animals. If it walked on two legs, four legs, or had wings, Edna would feed it. Her last two animals Buffy, the dog, and Patches, the cat, gave Edna great joy. When Edna was well into her 90’s she used to babysit her Step-dog, Gardner, a 100-pound lab, who was almost as big and heavy as Edna. “Thor”, the neighborhood cat, would jump over the fence every morning for his treat. Her birds would come throughout the day for seed and a couple of fat racoons would look through the back sliding door.

Edna had two caregivers during the day for three years at her home on Peralta. Jennifer and Lucy were more than kind and were missed by Edna after she moved. Special thanks to the Staff of El Cerrito Royale, Edna’s home for the past 15 months. The staff was kind and wonderful and her seat mates, Bernice and Naomi at meals were special. Sassy, the little white poodle, will miss Edna. Also thanks to the staff at Shields Nursing Home in Richmond for their kindness during her month long stay after she broke her hip. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 on Monday, April 10 at Sunset View Mortuary, 101 Colusa Ave., in El Cerrito, CA. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 on Tuesday, April 11 at The Lutheran Church Of The Cross, 1744 University Ave. in Berkeley, CA. Officiating will be Rev. Cary Bass-Deschenes. Everyone is invited to a reception at the church hall immediately following the he service. Graveside services will be at 11:00 on Wednesday, April 12 at Sunset View Cemetery. Donations are suggested to the SPCA of the East Bay, or your favorite charity.