Tam (Blanche) Olson age 91 of Monroe, died on Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Monroe, following complications of multiple strokes. Tam was born on October 3, 1922 in Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada, the youngest daughter of Walter and Eva Taplin. She graduated from local schools and from The Registered Nursing Program at Toronto General Hospital. Tam worked in hospital nursing until she and a friend moved to San Francisco's Southern Pacific Hospital, where she met her future husband who was an intern in the same hospital. She married Dr. Merlin J. Olson in February of 1949 in Chattanooga, TN, where he was in residency training. In February, 1953, the couple moved to Monroe where Merlin joined the medical staff at Monroe Clinic. Tam was a 60-year member of St. John's United Church of Christ and was active in the Monroe Woman's Club, and Monroe Country Club. Tam had a lifetime interest in cooking and gourmet foods, as her happiest times were spent with family and preparing their favorite meals. Tam and Merlin were fortunate to have spent more than 20 winters in Arizona and enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and traveling extensively.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Merlin Olson of Monroe; two sons, Chris (Virginia) of Medina, Ohio, and Craig (Kathy) of Bettendorf, Iowa; a daughter, Julie (Robert) Napel of Marquette, Michigan; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters; and one brother.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, March 21, 2014, at 11:00 A.M., at St. John's United Church of Christ with Reverend Todd Hackman officiating. A luncheon will follow at Peppercorn Banquets. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tam's name are suggested to St. John's Church, Behring Senior Center Endowment Fund, The Monroe Arts Center, or the charity of one's choice. The Newcomer Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send a condolence to the family go to www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.