Family and friends are mourning the unexpected loss this week of Debbie Olsen, a Mattituck mom who died on Wednesday and left a forever legacy in all the lives she touched.
“There are no words to express how sudden and profoundly devastating her loss is,” her family wrote, on a Go Fund Me page set up to help her family in their time of great need.
Olsen, who left behind her three children, Allison, Jennifer and Andrew, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday of an undiagnosed perforated bowel obstruction that caused sepsis throughout her body, according to the page.
For years, Olsen worked at the Cutchogue-East elementary school in the cafeteria, and later, drove a minibus for Southold Town seniors. She attended Community Christian Fellowship Church in Mattituck and also went to Living Waters Church, where her children were very involved in worshiping God through singing and acting.
“Debbie always had an open-door policy. If you needed something, she was there. If you needed a place to stay, all you needed was to ask. Just ask anyone in her life, and they will confirm these truths. Her life was a testimony to her giving spirit, her selflessness, her openness, her playful sarcasm, her joy and her beautiful smile,” her family wrote.
“Now, in her absence, there is left an increased burden and responsibility on her children. Ali and her fiancé Matt have been planning their wedding, which will be held in the fall of 2015. Jennifer is studying to become a pharmacist. Andrew is finishing his last year of high school. In addition to helping each other cope, they will be faced with increased responsibility of paying the bills and caring for the house,” the Go Fund Me page says. “If Debbie has touched your life in any way, or if your heart is moved by her family’s overwhelming loss, you can play an instrumental role by helping the family in this time of need.”
The grief is overwhelming, her children said: “When we think we’re all out of tears, we’re proven wrong. We love you Mom Olsen, and we miss you so incredibly much.”
Friends on the North Fork were left reeling at the sudden loss. “She was the salt of the earth, a strong wonderful, caring mother and wife, who worked very hard to help make ends meet,” said friend Susan Toman. “Her children were her pride and joy. Her friends were family. She was genuine and cared, loving and non-judgmental. Everyone who knew Debbie will feel this loss.”
Funeral arrangements are scheduled for today, from 3-6 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Homes, Inc., 13805 Main Road in Mattituck; Pastor Dan Reiter will conduct services.
