About Stella Joyce Olsen
Stella Joyce Olsen, age 72, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, September 19, 2021. She was surrounded by her loved ones.
Joyce was born December 9, 1948 in Brandon, Manitoba to Alexander and Phyllis Wilson. She was the second oldest of 12 children. She and her family joined the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and move to Arizona shortly after. At age 19, she met Les Olsen at a dance at the Mezona. They fell head over heels for each other and were sealed in the Mesa Arizona LDS temple on April 19, 1968. They went on to have six children, 27 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
Joyce loved to learn, and always had a desire to teach and help children. She went back to school in her forties, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Education. She spent several years teaching pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, where she touched the hearts of many children. She was an inspiration to everyone who met her.
Joyce’s greatest joy was being with her family. She spent countless nights attending her grandchildren’s recitals and sporting events and took any chance she had to spend time with those she loved. She and Les enjoyed spending their retirement traveling, serving church missions, going to the movies, and hosting Sunday dinners for her family. She was always up for an adventure.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Les Olsen; her children Kyle (Daena) Olsen, Lainie Neus, David (Julie) Olsen, Todd Olsen, Ryan (Rachel) Olsen, Kristen (Nathan) Brinson; 27 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son in law, Brian Neus; mother, Phyllis Peterson, and father, Alexander Wilson; sister Ann Benton, brothers Terry Wilson and Ronny Wilson.
A viewing will be held Thursday, September 23rd from 6-8pm at Bunker Family Funeral University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85213. The funeral service will be held Friday, September 24th at 11am, with a viewing from 10-11am, at the LDS church building, 2618 N. Lindsay Rd., Mesa, AZ 85213. Joyce will be laid to rest at the Mesa Cemetery in Mesa, AZ.