In Memoriam: Maureen Foye Olsen

February 8, 2019
Maureen Olsen

Maureen Olsen

Maureen Olsen quietly left her family and friends after 73 years, on January 24, 2019. “Reenie” was enjoying retirement in Nokomis, FL with her husband, RADM Robert R. Olsen, Jr., USCG Ret. (“Rube”), president of Webb Institute from 2005-2013. Reenie suffered a brief illness stemming from acute myeloid leukemia. Reenie was born in New London to Paul and Ruth Foye and lived at the family home at 1111 Ocean Avenue. Paul and Ruth had five daughters: Carol Adams (Gene) of New London; Ruth Foye of Venice, FL; Eileen Kelly (Jim) of New London; and, Paula Foye of New London.

After graduating from the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, Reenie married another New London native, Rube Olsen 50 years ago and had two wonderful children: Colleen Bozarth (Tom) of Frisco, TX and Derek Olsen (Casey) of Sarasota, FL. Together they traveled many coast guard miles and lived in CT, RI, MA, ME, MD, NY, VA, FL, CA and Alaska (where no one went to visit)! In all, they moved 19 times and Reenie orchestrated each and every move.

Reenie will be remembered for her brilliant smile that could light up a room and her magnificent talent for painting. Some of her works were shared with the public in the Connecticut governor’s office in Hartford as well as the portrait of her husband, the 37th Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy.

Her family will mostly miss her devotion to each and everyone who needed an ear, empathy, compassion, kindness, unsolicited love, a place to stay, a comforting word or hug. Reenie was high on life. They moved all over the U.S. and she never complained. Not only did she make the best of it but embraced it. Her paintings were awe-inspiring and her smile infectious. She was a true beauty.

In addition to her husband, children and four sisters, Reenie leaves her two grandchildren: Luke and Camile Bozarth of Frisco, TX; 15 nieces and nephews: her brothers-in-law: Charlie Olsen, Rich Olsen, and Tom Olsen. Being an Irish family, there are many cousins that she shared her wonderful life with. She was predeceased by her parents, Capt. Paul P. Foye and Ruth E. Foye and her sister-in-law, Hope Olsen Stewart.

Her family thanks the wonderful doctors and nurses who cared for her at Florida Cancer Center, Venice Regional Bayfront Hospital and to the compassionate staff of Tidewell Hospice who cared for us all.

A celebration of life for her Florida friends and family will be held on Saturday, February 2 at “PUB 32”, 8383 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL from 1-5 pm.

A celebration and service will be held in New London on Saturday, February 9 at the Memorial Chapel at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at 1:00 pm with a reception immediately following at the Officers Club.

Contributions may be made on her behalf to one of her favorite charities listed below (or to one of your choice): Tidewell Hospice, 2220 Wexford Blvd, Venice, FL 34293 or Smile Train Children’s Charity, smiletrain.org