Laura "Lori" Olson 1962-2026

By Atascadero News · Fri Mar 06 2026

Laura "Lori" Olson, who passed away on February 4, 2026, after a brief illness, looked at the world with wonder, silly humor, and curiosity, much like her students at Monterey Road Elementary in Atascadero. An Atascadero resident for 31 years, "Miss Olson," as she was known during her 31 years of teaching, had a well of patience and energy for each new batch of kindergartners that walked into her classroom. A professional musician on the weekends, Laura would occasionally pull out her guitar and sing to settle the squirmy bunch. 

Ever resourceful, she had many ways to engage little minds, though she wondered if she maybe took it too far sometimes. Laura liked to tell a story about a praying mantis that flew in her open door one spring day and landed on the illuminated glass of her overhead projector. The two dozen kids gasped as the bug slowly moved its limbs. "Miss Olson" asked if the children thought their visitor was hungry. Fetching a dead bee, she placed it on the glass. The mantis snapped it up, eliciting both delight and horror on the faces of the children. Her Monterey Road teaching partners, of whom she spoke fondly, would probably not be surprised by this story.

Born in Monrovia, CA, September 14, 1962, Laura lived in southern California until her family moved to Morro Bay when she was nine, then to San Luis Obispo when she was ten. Her father was a lineman, a cable engineer, and a warehouseman, while her mother worked as a hair stylist and owned a store in Gorda for a time. After her parents separated, Laura was the glue that continued to hold her imperfect and far-flung family together with her good sense, an occasional eye roll, and gentle humor. Laura graduated from San Luis Obispo High in 1980. She received her liberal arts degree from CSU Northridge, teaching credential and MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo.

Gardening became her favorite activity in later years, especially her roses, named after famous actresses. She canned jams and tomatoes as did her maternal grandmother. She had her other grandmother’s flair for painting, which made her a ringer at the local drink and draw. Laura avidly followed sports teams and Olympic competition, making her the one to call for last night’s scores.

Laura is survived by her husband of 36 years Richard Green, who will always be thankful for her love and support, her beloved son Duncan Green; her mother Donna Olson; her sisters Kristin and Cheryl Olson; Robyn Elliott, her chosen sister from junior high; a puggle named Buddy; 3 cats; 1 remaining chicken; two visiting peacocks; and one desert tortoise named "Tortie," that she’s nurtured for decades. She was a beloved daughter-in-law, sister-in-law and aunt to her extended family. Laura was preceded in death by her father, Bob Olson, and brother Robert Olson.

A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, March 22, 2:30-4:30 pm at the Atascadero Lake Pavilion.