Obituary of Ruth M. Olsen

Ruth M. (O’Hara) Olsen, 89, of South Windsor, beloved wife of William Olsen, passed away on Friday, October 13th, 2023, at Hartford Hospital. Born in Lowell, MA, on May 21st, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Helen (O’Shaughnessy) O’Hara.

Ruth worked for Pratt & Whitney where she met her future husband, William Olsen. They built their life together in South Windsor, CT and were married for nearly 60 years. While they did not have any children of their own, Ruth surrounded herself with family and many friends.

Ruth made lifelong friends, including Barbara, Sheila and many others along the way. She had many hobbies including traveling around the USA and beyond (including Canada, Germany, Ireland and Switzerland), road trips, country dancing, crafts, and shopping. Ruth was incredibly proud of her Irish heritage, traveling to Ireland several times and never once missed an opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with corned beef, cabbage, and the family recipe for Irish soda bread. She was committed to her Roman Catholic faith, supporting many Christian charities.

Ruth cared deeply about her family, including her mother and father whom she missed dearly after their passing, her three sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. She jumped at every opportunity to spend time with them and never missed a birthday or significant event. After retiring, Ruth and Bill shared time between CT and FL, along with frequent visits to her favorite places Cape Cod, MA, Westbrook, CT, and St. Pete Beach, FL.

Ruth will be remembered as a caring, fun, adventurous and spirited person who loved children. She will be missed dearly by her family including her beloved husband William Olsen; her sisters Carol Johnson of Jupiter, FL, Patricia Cavoli of Wallingford, CT and Kathleen Mancini of Bolton, CT; nieces and nephews Brian Cavoli of Mansfield, MA, David Cavoli of Redding, MA, Mark Mancini of Indian Land, SC, Kevin Mancini of Southington, CT, Kerri-Lyn Mancini of Manchester, CT, Megan Mancini of Manchester, CT, Kristen Johnson of Jupiter, FL, and Kerry Boze of Palm City, FL; along with their children and many extended family members in the Florida and Lowell, MA areas.

Friends and family may call on the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center St., Manchester, on Sunday, October 22nd, from 3-5:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, the 23rd, at St. Bartholomew Church, 736 Middle Turnpike E, Manchester, at 10:00 a.m. (please meet at church). Ruth’s final resting place will be at Bolton Center Cemetery in Bolton, nearby to her mother and father and overlooking their former home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Goodwill of Northern, CT. 

CLICK TO VIEW LIVESTREAM FUNERAL SERVICE