Courtney passed away Friday, April 22, 2022 at her home in Plainwell.
She was born September 6, 1980 in Rochester, MI, the daughter of David and Janice (McLean) Olson. Courtney graduated from Western Michigan University and was an accounting specialist at 7 Generations Architecture and Engineering Firm.
She was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed following the LA Lakers, especially Kobe Bryant. Courtney was passionate about animals and criminal justice reform. She volunteered at the Devoted Barn Animal Rescue in the Detroit area, as well as LuvnPupz Animal Rescue in Grand Rapids. She worked with Rhonda DeLong to bring the canine therapy program to the Cook County, Illinois jail system. Courtney was a supporter of Black Lives Matter and took great interest in social justice.
She was very independent, kind and tenderhearted, especially to her friends. She would do anything for those close to her. She loved being involved with caring for the neighborhood twins.
Surviving are her mother, brother, Neal (India) Olson of Indianapolis, grandmother, Laura Olson along with several aunts, uncles and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her father, grandfather, David L. Olson and grandmother, Ruth McLean.
According to her wishes cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, April 29, 2022 at the Otsego United Methodist Church with Pastor Dan Minor officiating.
Contributions in memory of Courtney may be made to the
Devoted Barn Animal Rescue
or to
LuvnPupz
in Grand Rapids.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Courtney A. Olson
Condolence Messages
Zach Sutton
April 26, 2022 at 3:31 pm
Such a tragedy! My thoughts are with Courtney’s friends and family!
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Timothy D Moore
April 26, 2022 at 3:44 pm
My True Friend C.A.O, my ride or die. I am truly going to miss our friendship. ,conversations , laughter & tears. You were an Angel in my life. I thank God for blessing me with you. You are in Heaven now. No more pain & suffering, only peace & joy.
Love Timothy
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Rhonda K DeLong
April 26, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Passionate about social justice and the welfare of animals. A best friend who would always ask me, “what can I do to help?” The pain of your loss is beyond explanation. We had some great plans this summer. I will try to move them forward in your memory. Ii am so glad I always told you that I loved you. Never take your loved ones for granted. “Hold them close while they’re here, don’t wait for tomorrow, and look back and wish for today.” (Bill Gaither)
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Mannie Holmes
April 26, 2022 at 4:01 pm
You wil be missed my good friend..you were one of many I considered a true friend
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Mrs. Jim Hewitt. (Patti)
April 26, 2022 at 4:37 pm
To Janice, Laura & other family I do not know, am very sorry to learn of your loss. So young and gone much too soon. Many hearts go out to at this time of great sadness.
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Betsy Gasior
April 26, 2022 at 5:37 pm
We met Courtney on a cruise. There were 10 of us, all old enough to be her parents. She was solo, so we adopted her and called her “Michigan”. She was an absolute delight, and brought so much joy to our group. We kept in touch with her, & talked of planning another cruise together. May her family & friends find comfort in that they do not grieve alone. May you all feel peace, and love at this time.
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Ruby (home helpers)
April 26, 2022 at 6:23 pm
Dearest Janice and Family
And Dearest Laura
I didn’t get to meet Courtney but heard amazing stories about her and her dog. I know her grandma laura loved her to pieces too. It was a shock hearing you guys lost her,but it’s amazing in just her short stay here she did so much. I’m praying for you all at this time, and May God remind you of his peace and you can rest in his arms.
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Lisa Sutton
April 26, 2022 at 7:54 pm
I can’t hardly believe this is true. I have spent quite a bit of time with you lately. You have always been such a help to me and my family. You were a giant when I had Matthew and almost died. You started right here with Gary and Cindy and took care of the baby and boys till I recovered. Recently you were an angel helping with my sister. You have always been part of the family. You will be missed more than you know.
Janice, my heart breaks for you, losing a child has to be the worse pain ever. I can’t imagine,
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Kim Sparks
April 26, 2022 at 8:39 pm
Janice, my heart aches for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Prayers of healing for you and the rest of your family.
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Pam Hopkins
April 26, 2022 at 8:45 pm
Janice and family of Courtney – I am beyond shocked to hear this news. I knew her as a young girl as her Dad (Dave)
was my boss at Plainwell Adult and Community Education in the 1980’s and early 90’s. Unfortunately I did not get the
news of Dave’s passing until long after he was gone. Courtney was a beautiful and loving young lady and even though
I have not kept in touch with the family in recent years, it’s very hard for me to imagine her gone at such a young age. Janice my heart breaks for you at this time. You and your family are certainly in my thoughts and prayers.
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Courtney James
April 26, 2022 at 9:33 pm
Courtney’s obituary captured her so well. She was super loyal and had conviction in everything she believed. We met through volunteering at Animal Rescue Project in Kalamazoo. She was Courtney #1 and I respectfully took Courtney #2 as she began volunteering before me. I will never forget her dedication to two particular feral dogs that took to her like no one else. May she Rest In Peace.
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Theresa
April 26, 2022 at 10:23 pm
Courtney was so kind and friendly. Her passion and knowledge for animals was apparent. I would be walking our very stubborn dog and she was so patient with him, sharing appreciated tips. We are sorry we won’t be seeing you on our walks.
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Dano
April 26, 2022 at 11:47 pm
A huge asset in our community in Kalamazoo especially volunteer & help with our annual coat drive for the homeless. She also join us in freezing temperatures for our 5th Annual this January 2022. Impact Visions volunteer group will truly miss her presence. Our deepest condolences to all her family
Sincerely,
Community Organizer
Dano
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Kim Merkle
April 27, 2022 at 8:19 am
I met Courtney at Animal Rescue Project volunteering. She was always in the office working with Roxie by her side. We had one dog scared of people, and pretty much everything. Courtney came everyday on her lunch hour to sit in kennel and share lunch. The dog soon was much better and got adopted. She had a heart of gold. I loved working the adoption events with her. I am so sorry She is gone. Way too soon.
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Cindy Olson
April 27, 2022 at 9:14 am
I am so saddened to hear about Courtney’s passing. I know there are no words that will bring comfort. I hope the many happy memories will bring some comfort. I am sending my thoughts and prayers to Stef, Elizabeth, and Laura, and the rest of the family. May God give you what you need at this time and the days ahead.
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Scott Grove
April 27, 2022 at 11:26 am
I worked at Seven Generations A/E with Courtney and we are all deeply saddened and shocked by her sudden passing. She was always kind and did her job very well. She will be missed.
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Becky Caruso
April 27, 2022 at 1:04 pm
Janice, Janet, and family – I am so sorry for your loss. I never met Courtney, but she looks very beautiful and happy in her picture with the dog. I believe she is now up in Heaven helping God with the animals. I know because that is what my sister is doing in Heaven and God called both Courtney and Evelyn home because He needed help playing with all the dogs (cats still to be debated) in Heaven. I wanted to share something with you Janice, and please don’t think I’m telling you this and that I’m trying to make this note about me, but I think it will help you. Right before my sister died I asked her to see if she could find Howard, my dog that had died 6 weeks before) in Heaven and if she would keep him with her until I got there. She said she would. The night she died, a friend of mine had a dream. And in that dream, she saw Evelyn sitting on a back porch in a big wicker chair. She had a great big smile on her face and was glowing. And sitting at her feet, was a “gray, fluffy dog.” My Howard! So I know she found him and he is with her. So I’m sure all the dogs that Courtney loved will be sitting on that porch with her as she smiles at them. Take peace in that! Love you, Becky Caruso
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Frank and Karen Andrews
April 27, 2022 at 6:39 pm
We are so saddened to hear this news. Our prayers and love go out to you.
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Jim & Kathy Stewart
April 27, 2022 at 7:49 pm
Our hearts are broken for you Janice. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Rachel
April 27, 2022 at 8:42 pm
So sorry for your loss!! I enjoyed working with Courtney! She had a loving heart!
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Marilyn Moore
April 27, 2022 at 9:46 pm
I am so very very sorry that’s such a vibrant person has been taken from you so suddenly. My heart and thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Gayle Compton
April 28, 2022 at 7:25 am
Janice, Neal, Laura and family. There Simply are No words to provide comfort at a time like this. Courtney was a beautiful lady, always warm and friendly when we saw her at family events! It is obvious that she had a passion for both animals and people, and she devoted her energy and time to many wonderful causes. Please know that we are holding you up in Prayer to the Father. May God provide you with strength, comfort and especially Peace as you remember what a blessing she was to you , your family and those whose lives she touched! We Love you. Gayle and Ken
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Jim Mallard
April 28, 2022 at 7:28 am
Janice,
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Joni
April 28, 2022 at 9:47 am
❤️☮️ so sorry for your loss and thank you for your compassionate kindness o this earth
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Susan
April 28, 2022 at 11:46 am
I was saddened to learn of Courtney’s passing. She was caring, direct and honest. I remember her beautiful eyes, big smile and witty comments. Her love and commitment to the dogs in rescue was heartwarming. She made a huge contribution to our world in her too brief lifetime. Courtney, rest in peace and thank you.
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Loretta D Hammsmith
April 28, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Janice and family Such a loss of a beautiful loving young lady who loved all animals and shared her love for her family and friends. Your family moved into our neighborhood when Courtney was young she was such a sweet girl and was a bright star in every thing she did for others and her Mom. Courtney will be missed greatly by her family and friends, and those that knew her even for a short time. she made her family proud of her for all she has done for others in the short time she was here. A kind loving, and good soul an angel to all that knew her she will be greatly missed. with loving prayers and thoughts to all that knew her
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James Di Loreto
April 28, 2022 at 1:50 pm
On behalf of the entire Animal Rescue Project family in Kalamazoo, we extend deepest condolences to the Olson family. Courtney was a passionate advocate for homeless animals. She brought an incredible range of talents to our organization and made deep and lasting friendships with so many ARP volunteers. What a terrible loss for all of us.
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George and Betsy Lee
April 28, 2022 at 2:55 pm
Janice and Family:
Betsy and I are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Courtney. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
George Lee
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Karl Kowalske - 7GAE
April 29, 2022 at 7:31 am
Courtney was one of the very best. She cared deeply about the work we did and was committed to helping us improve every single day. I talked to Courtney almost every day since I met her and will never forget the impact she had on me, our company, and the world. She lit up when sharing stories about her volunteer work; I felt lucky when she gave me a window into her passions.
To quote one of our clients, “As you know many times through our work we are lucky enough to connect with some remarkable individuals, Courtney was one of those.”
Thank you for sharing your daughter, sister, and friend with us. She made everyone around her better.
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Daniel & Annette Arnett, Jackie LaHuis
April 29, 2022 at 9:21 am
Janice:
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how we can be of help.
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Marilynn Rowe
April 29, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Janice – I am so sorry to learn of Courtney’s passing. Please know that you, Courtney and your entire family are in my prayers. Sending you all a gentle hug – it’s source… God’s eternal love . Marilynn
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Ed Dumas
April 29, 2022 at 9:25 pm
My condolences to the family, Courtney was a special person to me… I’m glad we met and hung out in ATL & Seattle Seahawks game, good memories i miss you already Courtney
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Bethany esper pathic
April 30, 2022 at 1:21 pm
Sending prayers I haven’t seen Courtney in a long time was always a good friend rest in peace
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Michelle and Bob Mikel
April 30, 2022 at 7:36 pm
Dear Janice and Family,
Our hearts and prayers reach out to you. I can imagine Courtney comforting all the animals passing over the rainbow bridge. I know you are keeping her in your hearts and treasuring memories.
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Denise & Lewis Siegel
May 3, 2022 at 9:43 am
Janice we are just now finding out about Courtney. We are so sorry for this tragic loss, we have no words. I will always remember her beautiful smile and her engaging personality. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of her family and friends.
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Kyle Hibbard
May 3, 2022 at 1:44 pm
She was a welcoming figure when I started my job and I’ll always remember her big beautiful eyes. Glad to hear of her warm and giving heart when it came to animals. Gone too soon. May she rest in peace. Deepest condolences.
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Rita Wooten
March 11, 2023 at 3:28 pm
I am so heartbroken to see this. I have a best friend named Lainey (Elaine) that Courtney championed. I know that it was Courtney that advocated and supported her with a heart as big as Texas. I have thought of her many times. I am sorry I didn’t see this sooner and I am so grateful for the good she did in the world.
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