Cassandra (Sandy) Olson

We give thanks for the life and faithful ministry of our beloved Cassandra (Sandy) Olson. She passed away in the early hours of December 4 surrounded by her family and the prayers of many of her friends and extended family.

She is survived by her husband Michael Mortvedt, their children Peder Hansen (Noel), Anna Bonaro (Adrian), Erik Hansen (Jessica) and Joshua Harnagel-Mortvedt (Amelia) and by their grandchildren Ellie Joy Hansen, Beckett and Asher Bonaro, Mary Jane Hansen, and Jacqueline and Paul Harnagel-Mortvedt.

Sandy is also survived by her brother Raymond Olson, her cousins Karen Englert, Dan Lawrence, Charmin  and Karon Olson, and her niece and nephew Lindsey and Nicolas Olson.

She is proceeded in death by her parents Oscar and Alice Olson, and her uncle and Aunt Larry and Christina Lawrence.

Sandy is a graduate of Saint Olaf College with a degree in music and was ordained as a Deacon (formerly an Associate in Ministry) in the Lutheran Church on July 1, 1996.  She served congregations in Aurora Colorado, Littleton Colorado, Dillon Colorado and in rural South Dakota with love and distinction.

Sandy used her musical skills in her ministry and as a private instructor of piano, guitar, and voice.  Few things gave her greater joy than playing piano or guitar or singing with her grandchildren.  Recently she helped an Afghan refugee adapt guitar chords so he could fulfill a life goal of playing the guitar overcoming the challenge of his hands being severely damaged by shrapnel in the war.

Another passion of Sandy’s was baking and cooking.  She won many blue ribbons at the State Fair in Pueblo and blessed family, friends, and the congregations she served with gifts of baked bread.

Sandy packed great love, passion, creativity, strength, and faithfulness into one life.  For those who knew her she was a beacon of unconditional love with reckless abandon.  She was an instrument of her Creator and a witness to her faith even through great adversity.

A Memorial Service to honor Cassandra's life will be held on February 4, 2023 at 3 o'clock in the afternoon at Saint Peter Lutheran Church at 9300 East Belleview Avenue, Greenwood Village.