Katherine McCormick Olsen

Katherine McCormick Olsen, 65, died from cancer on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at her home in Bonners Ferry.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bonners Ferry. Burial followed in Moravia Cemetery.

Kathy was born Sept. 22, 1942, to John Hamilton and M. Aileen Conway McCormick in Bonners Ferry. Kathy was the granddaughter of two pioneering families — Jack and Molly Conway of Moravia and George and Katherine McCormick of Leonia,

In 1943, Kathy’s family moved to Coeur d' Alene where she attended Sherman and St. Thomas grade schools. Kathy graduated from 1. H. M. Academy in 1960 and then attended North Idaho Junior College.

Kathy worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Coeur d' Alene until she married Merle Olsen in 1968.

Kathy also worked for the Forest Service in Sandpoint prior to the birth of her daughter, Maureen, in 1975.

After farming in Moravia for many years, she joined the Forest Service in Bonners Ferry, where Kathy  remained her working life.

Kathy was a parishioner at St. Ann's Catholic Church where she was an active member of St. Ann's Altar Society.

She enjoyed 30 years of friendships in Beta Sigma Phi, and for many years, was also a member of Idaho Cattle Women.

Kathy’s interests included music, reading, quilting and regional history. While on the farm, she maintained a beautiful yard and garden; flowers were always an important part of her life.

She truly enjoyed people and was known for her kindness and hospitality.

Kathy is survived by sisters Margo McCormick of Troy, Mont., and Pat (Vance) Ekwortzell of Sandpoint; brother George (Mary) McCormick of Hayden; daughter and-son-in-law Maureen and Ryan Mai; husband Merle Olsen of Bonners Ferry; grandson Dillon Mai of Moravia; nieces Tricia Ekwortzell and Elizabeth McCormick; nephew James McCormick; Rachel Olsen, and Dale and Mary Olsen, and their children Elizabeth, Stephanie and Brad of Spokane.

Kathy shared special longtime friendships with Judy Pruitt of Spokane, Wash., and Donna Irons of Bonners Ferry.

The family suggests memorials be made to Bonner Community Hospice, St. Ann's Altar Society, or Community Cancer Services.

Family and friends may sign Kathy’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com.

Bonners Ferry Funeral Home handled arrangements.