OLSON, ANITA LILLIAN, succumbed to pancreatic cancer on May 26, 2020 after an incredibly full 80 years of life. She was friend to all and loved spending time with her family, fellow gardeners and quilters, and her dog. Anita was born November 27th, 1938 to Alvin and Adeline Van Overmeer. She attended Olivet College after graduating from Fitzgerald High School. She later received her Master's degree in Education from Oakland University. "Mrs. Olson" was an elementary school teacher in Waterford schools for thirty years. Even though her schedule was busy, she always found time for others, especially her students. Anita was a dynamo, what she lacked in stature she made up for in attitude. She told it to you straight but always saved you a seat at the table. Anita married Jack Olson on October 18th, 1958 and they had two children, Chris and Alice. They, along with Anita's brother Arnold, completed the Olson clan. They lived as a family in West Bloomfield, Michigan. After her mother passed, she acted as Arnold's primary caregiver, as he experienced a brain injury when he was born. In addition to this, she was a gardener, quilter, and loyal hostess of the Olson Thanksgiving for over 30 years. In 2014 she moved to her condo in Waterford where she cared for her dog Bandit, adopted her new dog Jethro, adored her neighbors, played cards, and helped seniors with their income taxes at the local Senior Citizens Center. Even though she retired from formal teaching, she always found time to inspire, teach and have fun with her "students" - her fellow quilting buddies. Her sewing techniques combined with her abilities to choose beautiful fabrics resulted in the title Quilting Artist. Anita will be missed for her smile, generosity, ability to care for everyone, love of animals, great flowers, impeccable vegetable garden, sewing machine collection, quilting ability, and more. But most importantly she will be missed as a friend, a sister, wife, and mother. Anita was preceded in death by her husband, her brother Arnold, and her parents. Anita is survived by her daughter Alice (Jeff) Williams (Salt Lake City, Utah), son Chris Olson (Canton,PA), brother Albert Van Overmeer (Sioux Falls, SD), grandchildren Morgan Williams, Carley Williams, Alyssa Olson, Amber Olson, Corey Olson and Colton Olson. All who knew her lost a tough, loving, strong willed individual who gave her all with a smile. There will always be a hole in our hearts, but we are grateful to have been included in her community of love and friendship.In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite cancer charity