In Memory of 105-Year-Old Olga Dahl

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Olga Dahl

Eureka lost one of its treasured residents on Nov. 22nd with the passing of 105 year old Olga Dahl. She was a highly regarded educator and artist.\

Born on 3rd Street in Eureka, Olga often shared stories of growing up in Old Town, when it was a bustling hub of immigrants, saloons, bordellos, and street carts. Neighbors shared the bounty from their backyard gardens. Grapes, that came to town on the train, became homemade wine. The young men who worked in the local card rooms, and lived at her mother Antonia’s boarding house, taught Olga card games (she played Solitaire every day and even kept score), how to play the latest tunes on the piano, and showed her the current dance steps. They became a lifelong love.

Childhood was a difficult time for Olga, She lost her father, Joseph, when she was 4, and suffered a chronic illness that kept her out of school for months. But with the support of her Mother and her Catholic faith, her determination didn’t falter. Art and being a teacher were her beacons. After graduating from Eureka High (and singing in a trio with a local band), she attended Humboldt State until she was accepted at California College Of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. Her teaching credential from Berkeley paved the way for her to get a great position at a lumber town, Westwood, east of Redding. But her taste of Big City Life (Museums, seeing Diego Rivera working at the 1939 World Fair on Treasure Island) brought her back to Eureka where she ended up marrying James Simpson. They would often go down to San Francisco to visit his sister Virginia and see the sights. Mariana, their daughter, was born in ’51, just a month after they moved into their new home, which Olga designed. Unfortunately, Jim passed away within a few years, leaving her adrift.

When Mariana was 4, Olga began teaching Home Economics and a few Art classes. She eventually became Head of the Art department. Her distinctive Volvo sports car, stylish fashion sense and unique hairstyle (The Bun) made her stand out. Teaching was in her soul, and after retiring she mentored and supervised young student teachers. As a Docent, she brought art to schools throughout the County, sharing her love and enthusiasm, inspiring all she met. Former students would often stop her in stores, sharing their memories and expressing their thanks. That uplifted her spirits. Because for her, it was always about the kids.

In 1957 Olga married Clarence Dahl, a gentle man, who always had a good story to tell or an odd joke to share. On Sunday afternoons they would pile into the station wagon and drive out in the country with a picnic. Then came camping (Forest Glen was a favorite) and fishing and hiking. When Mari left for college, Olga and Clarence started taking trips abroad, eventually hitting almost every continent. Olga got to finally see, in person, many of the works of art she had loved for years. They were together until Clarence passed in 2006.

Olga always knew how to have a good time. She loved dancing, singing, and having small dinner parties. She was also well known for her 5 o’clock martinis. Neighbors and friends enjoyed showing up for some conversation and a cocktail. Her innate sense of fashion and design could turn anything into an art project, whether it was her clothing, cooking, flower arranging or just making a sandwich. She had a knack for making things better.

After her 100th birthday (with a memorable drive-by parade), she met Jan Rowen, who got together a team of caregivers for her. They soon ended up with Olga living at Jan’s home, making a lap for all the animals, puttering in the garden and folding all the laundry or “straightening things up” around the house. She even voted in the ’24 Presidential Election (just Had To Vote for A Woman) and made a few headlines of her own (because of her age).

This last year was spent with Elibe Noriega & family, at their home in Cutten. She loved sitting and looking out the Big Windows at the beautiful forest, listening to the girls talking and waiting for the wonderful food. To be with a family again was a big blessing for her. We are forever grateful for their loving care of Olga.

(Donations can be made in Olga’s name to any of the local animal rescue/shelter or SNAP programs)