Debra Pearl Olson, age 70, of Bellevue, Nebraska passed away on Monday, September 7th, 2026.
A Life Full of Love, Laughter and Adventure
She was a bubbly, happy, and joyful woman whose enthusiasm for life was contagious. She had a wonderful ability to find happiness in the people she loved, the places she traveled, and the memories she made. She lived life fully, embraced every adventure, and believed there was always something to celebrate.
Family was at the very heart of her life. She was the beloved daughter of Maynard and Geraldine and, without a doubt, the apple of her daddy’s eye. Her father held a very special place in her heart, and his love remained with her throughout her life. She was also deeply devoted to her brother, Scott. Their bond was precious to her, and she loved him dearly. Although Maynard and Scott passed before her, the love and memories they shared remained a treasured part of her life.
Her relationship with her mother, Geraldine, was one of the greatest loves of her life. They were much more than mother and daughter—they were best friends. She adored her mom and was always there to help, support, and care for her. Whether working together on the farm, spending time at the cabin, or simply enjoying each other’s company, she treasured their time together.
They also shared a wonderful love of travel and adventure. Some of her most treasured memories were the trips she took with her mom. One particularly special adventure was traveling to Italy with her mom and her nieces, Brianna and Kristi. They also shared unforgettable memories together in Alaska. These trips were about so much more than seeing beautiful places—they were about laughter, family, adventure, and having the people she loved most beside her.
She had an extraordinary passion for seeing the world. Over the course of her life, she traveled to every continent, always curious about what was waiting beyond the next horizon. She embraced different cultures, beautiful places, and new experiences with excitement and wonder. Her passport may have told the story of where she had been, but the stories she brought home told an even greater story of how fully she lived.
Birthdays were especially important to her. Every year was an opportunity for another adventure, and she made a tradition of taking a birthday trip. She knew how to celebrate life, and she did so wholeheartedly. She didn’t wait for a special occasion to enjoy herself—she made life itself the occasion.
She was a loving aunt to Brianna and Kristi and a very special great-aunt to Leo and Lauren. She treasured her family and took great joy in the time they shared. The trips, celebrations, conversations, laughter, and everyday moments they experienced together will become the memories that keep her close.
And then there was Fluffy, her beloved cat and cherished companion. Fluffy was not simply a pet—she was family. Their bond was incredibly special, and Fluffy brought her comfort, companionship, and unconditional love. Losing Fluffy before her was a tremendous loss, but the love they shared remained in her heart.
She will be remembered for her bright spirit, her laughter, her generous heart, her devotion to her family, and her incredible zest for life. She was a woman who knew how to enjoy the moment—to travel across the world, take a birthday trip, lend a helping hand on the farm, spend time at the cabin, share an adventure with her mom and nieces, and simply enjoy being with the people she loved.
She leaves behind a lifetime of stories and wonderful memories for those who were fortunate enough to know her. Though she is now reunited with her beloved dad, Maynard, her brother, Scott, and her cherished Fluffy, her joyful spirit lives on in her mother, Geraldine, her nieces Brianna and Kristi, her great-nieces and great-nephews Leo and Lauren, and all those who loved her.
She didn’t simply live her life—she celebrated it.
She traveled the world. She loved deeply. She laughed often. She made memories. And she made the lives of those around her brighter simply by being herself.
Her greatest adventure was a life well lived.
A Celebration of Life will be held in July of 2027 to celebrate her life and birthday.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family.
Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com
