Katherine McCormick Olsen (September 22, 1942

Katherine McCormick Olsen died of cancer at her home in Bonners Ferry on July 1, 2009. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on July 7, 2009, in St. Ann's Catholic Church with interment following in the Moravia Cemetery.

Granddaughter of two pioneering families, Jack and Molly Conway of Moravia and George and Katherine McCormick of Leonia, Kathy was born to John Hamilton and M.
Aileen Conway McCormick in Bonners Ferry on September 22, 1942. In 1943, the family moved to Coeur d' Alene where Kathy attended Sherman Grade School and St. Thomas Grade School. She graduated from H. M. Academy in 1960 and then attended North Idaho Junior College.

Kathy worked for the US Forest Service in Coeur d' Alene until 'her marriage to Merle Olsen in 1968. She also worked for the USFS in Sandpoint prior to the birth of her daughter Maureen in 1975. After farming at Moravia-for many years, she-felt privileged to join the USFS in Bonners Ferry for the remaining years of her working life.

Kathy was a parishioner at St. Ann's Catholic Church where she was an active member of the Altar Society. She enjoyed 30 years of friendships in Beta Sigma Phi, and for many years was also a member of Idaho Cattle Women. Her interests included music, reading, quilting and regional history. While on the farm, Kathy maintained a beautiful yard and garden, and flowers were always an important part of her life. She truly enjoyed people and was known for her kindness and hospitality.

Kathy is survived by sisters Margo McCormick of Troy, MT, Pat (Vance) Ekwortzell of Sandpoint, brother George (Mary) McCormick of Hayden, daughter Maureen (Ryan) Mai, husband Merle Olsen of Bonners Ferry, ID and grandson' Dillon Mai of Moravia. She is also survived by nieces Tricia Ekwortzell and Elizabeth McCormick, and nephew James McCormick, as well as Rachel Olsen and Dale and Mary Olsen and their children Elizabeth, Stephanie and Brad of Spokane. Kathy shared special longtime friendships with Judy Pruitt of Spokane and Donna Irons of Bonners Ferry.

The family suggests memorials go to Bonner Community Hospice, St. Ann's Altar Society or Community Cancer Services.