Obituary of Diann Olson

Although Diann Paulette Hemry Olson of Parker, Colorado, passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the age of 76 – her memory will live on by all those touched by her love, care, empathy, cheerfulness, and generosity. These are just a few of the many qualities that made Diann such a wonderful blessing in all our lives.

The world became a better place on June 14, 1947, when Diann Paulette was born to Carl and Louise Hemry of Topeka, KS. The oldest of three children, she cared deeply for her brothers, Tom and Ron. As a child, the family moved to Colorado Springs where she enjoyed the beauty of Colorado, youthful activities, and her studies. Diann graduated from Wasson High School and went on to Colorado State University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising. Her keen eye for fashion trends were an integral part of her life - both in her career and in her classy looks wherever she went.

Diann took hold of fashion like an Italian takes hold of a Fendi bag. Her talent saw her rapidly progress at Fashion Bar and Barbara & Company – becoming a buyer and traveling to New York, striking the balance of the latest collections with functionality – helping women look their best with their own personal style (including quite a few Denver Broncos’ wives).

It was this insight into customers’ needs that allowed her to switch careers out of fashion and into outside sales, giving her more time at home with her husband David (whom she married in 1977) and daughter Whitney (who was born in 1984). Family has always been of utmost importance to Diann and she was completely dedicated to her immediate and extended families – including her stepchildren Monique and Jeff, her brothers’ families, in-laws, and all those close friends that became family.

Although known for fashion, spontaneous travel, and large Holiday gatherings; it’s in the quiet moments where she had the biggest impact: the end-of-the-day discussions around the dinner table, cooking with the family, decorating the house, peaceful gardening, and unconditional love, interest, and support for her child and stepchildren. Diann also had an incredible love for pets – both her own and the rescues that found their way into the house via Whitney.

While she beat breast cancer it was other cancer that stole her away. She will be dearly missed by friends and relatives, her three children, eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. She has one grandchild on the way and one great grandchild on the way who will grow up with the stories of Diann, the shared memories, and understanding the significant impact she made on all those she touched.

At this time, a Celebration of Life is not planned, Diann would have preferred this to be individual – time spent in quiet, reflective memories of time spent with her. Any contributions celebrating her should be donated in Diann’s name to Pawsitive Restorations Animal Rescue, Rocky Mountain Collie and Sheltie Rescue, or the animal rescue of your choice.

Pawsitive Restorations: http://pawsitiverestorations.com

Rocky Mountain Collie and Sheltie Rescue: http://www.colliesheltierescue.org