Susan "Sue" Gay Olson (nee Isett), 84, of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully, surrounded in love, on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Methodist Hospital. She is preceded in death by her parents Mary and Robert Isett, her former husband Dr. Hardin Olson and siblings Bob Isett and Mary Jo Quayle.

Sue was born February 5,1941, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Her father served in the U.S. Army, as a tank commander, so she grew up an army brat living in Germany and The United States. She was an avid equestrian who fearlessly took to jumping as well as downhill skiing.

After spending decades raising her family, Sue returned to school, graduating in May of 1996 with an MSW from the University of Minnesota. Sue led a life of constant learning. She studied art and loved working in various mediums including stone sculpting, charcoal drawing and oil painting. Over the years she instilled an appreciation of the arts and created masterpieces for each of her children. In her later years she turned to knitting; creating one-of-a-kind hats and mitten sets for family and friends as well as those in need.

Sue had a playful sense of humor. She loved a good book, a great movie, listening to all genres of music and watching football, especially the annual Army vs. Navy game. She could be counted on to bring her famous cheeseball to any family gathering and was always up for a game of Trouble with her grandchildren. 

Sue is survived by her children Stacey Shepherd (Thomas), Victoria DeSimone (Joseph), Kelly Turberfield (David) and Matthew Olson (Kelly) and was a loving grandmother to Christina, Julia, Jack, Meredith, Keaton, Ryan and aunt to five nephews. Sue spread kindness and possessed an innate sense of what is truly important. She will be remembered for her generosity, hearty laugh, and most of all her big bear hugs.

In addition, The Olson Family would like to take a moment to extend their sincerestgratitude and appreciation to the staff of Methodist Hospital for the incredible, compassionate care and respect they showed Sue in her final days.

A private service to be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to The Park Nicollet Foundation at 6500 Excelsior Blvd. St. Louis Park, MN 55426, foundation@parknicollet.com or more simple, if you are so inclined, please consider spreading good will with a random act of kindness.