1921 – 2019
Palmira C. Olsson “Polly” passed away on January 25, 2019 in Turlock at the age of 97.
Polly was born on January 27, 1921 in Livingston, Ca. to Manuel and Maria Caldera. She was raised in Livingston and graduated from Hilmar High School. She went on to graduate from Modesto Junior College and University of California, Berkeley (GO BEARS).
Polly was a high school teacher at Hilmar High (alma mater) and Turlock High (THS). At THS, Polly served on a Statewide Board for curriculum for the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program. Polly also received a scholarship from the Luso-American Foundation to study Portuguese for High School teachers at the University of Coimbra, Portugal; she was the first to implement the Portuguese Program at THS.
Polly married Torsten A. Olsson (“Red”) on August 17, 1945. Torsten preceded her in death in 2004.
She is survived by her daughters: Elin O. Parker; Elizabeth Smith; Barbara (Jim) Olsson-Lahman; Mary (Joe) Mello; and Marjorie Blom. Grandchildren: Jason Cooper; Elizabeth Cooper; Erica Blom; Andrew Borba; Dana, Alisa and Ben Mello; SueAne Novack; Sadie Mars and Two Great-Granddaughters.
Polly held memberships in the AAUW and TOPS.
A graveside service will be held at 1pm on Friday, February 1, 2019 at Turlock Memorial Park.
In-lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to: Friends of the Turlock Library, PO Box1260, Turlock, CA 95381-1260
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Suzie Ventura says
February 2, 2019 at 1:08 amYou will be greatly missed at Cindy’s restaurant !… You always amazed me with your bright mind and silly personality!… you always made me laugh and I will miss you dearly and your sea turtles you wore also .You will always be remembered!.. Love you!!
Gwen Cederlind says
January 31, 2019 at 10:49 pmI amgrieved to read of my beloved teacher’s passing. She was my gateway to a lifetime of chatting with others in another language that was not mine nor my family’s own. She has held a place of great esteem in my heart all these years as one of the best teachers I ever had in life. Her husband was one of my Dad’s dearest friends too. Condolences to her family and especially to Mary whom she taught with such grace and beauty.
Mary Ann Carvelho Bloom says
January 31, 2019 at 5:58 pmSo sorry to here of Polly’s passing. What a wonderful life she lived! I have fond memories of Polly and her girls at THS. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. May she Rest In Peace.