Sue Ann Olson's Obituary
Sue Ann Olson, 78, of Tucson, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 7, 2026.
Born on December 9, 1947, and raised in Des Plaines, Illinois, Sue carried her Midwestern roots with her as she ventured farther from home. She attended Indiana University, earning a degree in education, before making a decisive move out west after graduation. She knew immediately that Tucson, Arizona, was where she belonged. With its desert landscape, sweeping mountain views, and notorious “dry heat,” Tucson suited her perfectly and became her lifelong home.
Sue dedicated her early career to working with children with developmental disabilities, helping to create some of the earliest programs for children who might otherwise have been institutionalized. This work reflected her deep empathy, strong moral compass, and unwavering belief in human dignity. She later joined Cottonwood Tucson, a nationally respected drug and alcohol treatment center, where she spent more than two decades as Director of Marketing before retiring in 2015.
Upon retirement, she discovered a passion for creativity and design, a deepening sense of stewardship of the native flora and fauna surrounding her home, including the massive mesquite tree she nursed back to health. Similarly, she took great pleasure in the abundant wildlife that surrounded her home.
Sue had a gift for finding happiness in everyday moments. She loved a crackling fire on a cool morning, walks in her neighborhood with her beloved dogs, day trips up to Mt. Lemmon, and spending time in Sabino Canyon. She loved a dramatic desert thunderstorm, especially from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. From her own backyard, she cherished sweeping mountain views and treasured an exceptional sunset.
Adventurous by nature, Sue embraced life with enthusiasm. She skied in Crested Butte, kayaked in Naples, rode horses in Sundance, and marveled at the twilight in Zion Canyon. She played in Carlsbad’s surf, savored legendary key lime pie in Islamorada, and collected seashells and blackberries in Alabama. Visiting Bluegrass Country, where she met Silver Charm and American Pharoah, was one of the highlights of her life. Yet nothing brought her more joy than her daughter’s horses.
Music was another lifelong passion. She had a deep affection for the sounds of the 1960s and ’70s, a love of classic film noir, and an unapologetically discerning palate for ice cream. She was also a devoted Indiana Hoosiers fan and proudly wore her Indiana hat when they recently won the national championship.
Forever young at heart, Sue brought people together effortlessly. She had friends from all walks of life, a generous sense of humor, and a knack for finding joy and not taking life too seriously. Known for her thoughtfulness, she had a rare talent for choosing exactly the right gift for those she loved, and she was a loyal, compassionate friend in difficult times. Her guiding philosophy, borrowed from her father, was one of quiet gratitude for each day, and for a life well-lived.
True to her practical nature, Sue approached her sudden cancer diagnosis with grace and acceptance. In her final days, she expressed contentment and peace, sharing that she felt no sense of loss or unfairness, only gratitude for a full and rewarding life.
Above all, Sue will be remembered for her loving and energetic personality and the deep connections she formed with people and places throughout her life.
She is survived by her daughter, Nicole Adams (Matthew Cobb); her step-son, Rob Adams; her brother, Robert Olson (Katy Olson); and her nephews, Michael Olson and Steven Olson. In accordance with her wishes, no public services will be held.
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