Suzanne Olsen

Suzanne Olsen, 47, of Duluth, Minnesota, died after five and a half years of beating breast cancer, on Feb. 11, 2012 at Solvay Hospice House. Suzanne was born on Feb. 16, 1964 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Jack and Jeanne Ball. She graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School in 1982. She attended UMD, Colorado State University and graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Superior with a degree in accounting. Suzanne worked as an accountant for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Duluth, the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (Minnesota Program Development) and Lake Superior College. Suzanne was preceded in death by her mother, Jeanne Ball, and brother, Farrell Ball. Suzanne is survived by her three children and sources of greatest pride and joy, Brittany, Morgan and David; her father, Jack Ball; and sister, Stephanie Ball. She is also survived by a wide and diverse circle of friends. Suzanne and her family are especially grateful for the care and support provided by Drs. Nikcevich, Dornfeld, Gordon, Glazier and Fox, Ann Skwira-Brown, Essentia Health hospice staff and Cancer Center staff, including the infusion therapy nurses, oncology social worker Terry Mahoney, the hospice care team and the dedicated staff of the Solvay Hospice House. Suzanne exhibited a courageous will and determination to live each day to its fullest for the benefit of her kids and never gave up on a miracle. Suzanne will best be remembered for being an amazing mom who was always there for her kids. Suzannes legacy will be her strong spirit, kindness and compassion which will live on through her children. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a memorial to an organization of your choice. Suggested memorials are Essentia Health Foundation Cancer Compassionate Care Fund, 400 East Third Street, Duluth, MN 55805 and Miller Dwan Foundation - Solvay Hospice House, 502 East Second Street, Duluth, MN 55805. VISITATION: 5-7 p.m. Feb. 16, 2012 in the Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 East Second Street, Duluth, and an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial in St. Michaels Catholic Church, 4901 Superior Street, Duluth, on Feb. 17, 2012. Burial at St. Josephs Gnesen Cemetery, rural Duluth. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home (218) 727-3555.