Edna LaVerne Olsen, age 79, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, passed away May 7, 2015, at Kindred Hospital in West Palm Beach, FL. LaVerne was born in Altha FL. After graduating high school, LaVerne attended Saint Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in Jacksonville FL, where she earned her Degree in Nursing. After moving to Palm Beach County in 1959, LaVerne worked at Saint Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach. When Palm Beach Gardens "Community Hospital" opened in 1968, she was hired as one of the first nursing supervisor.
Laverne was a founding and charter member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Palm Beach Gardens. She enjoyed all things relating to dolls, and, as an avid collector herself, she belonged to the Sunshine Doll Club in Lake Worth as well as the United Federation of Doll Collectors. LaVerne also enjoyed porcelain painting, creating many of the beautiful faces of her dolls. She was an active member of the Porcelain Artists of the Palm Beaches. Other passions of hers was playing bridge and doing crossword puzzles.
LaVerne married her loving husband Bill on December 15, 1956. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage before his passing in 2011. Their children, Vanessa Hewko (Eric) of North Palm Beach; Bill Olsen Jr. of Palm Beach Gardens; Saen Olsen (Laena) of Palm Beach Gardens; Kris Olsen (Michelle) of Palm Beach Gardens; her grandchildren, Ryan and Jared Olsen; Adam, April, Heather, and Hillary Hewko; her sister, Barbara Rimer of Concord NC, and William Laramore of Thomasville GA.
Relatives & friends are invited to LaVerne's memorial celebration at 1pm Thursday, May 21, 2015, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 9625 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Reception to follow in the church Fellowship Hall.
Memorial donations can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.