SANDRA OLSON: A LEGACY OF KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY

With endless energy and a giving spirit, the late Sandra “Sandy” Olson left an impression on all those she encountered while undergoing treatment for cancer at the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center. She doted on the nurses and medical staff; it was natural for her to bake cookies and cakes for her care team and swing by the local deli to pick up lunch for the nurses once a month on her way to the hospital. Sandy’s care team became like a second family. A few weeks before her passing in January 2022, the Olson family gave a generous gift to the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center in gratitude for her care and remembrance of the friendships she made as a patient. “She wanted to help every person she met and all animals under her care,” said Sandy’s daughter Linda Olson Brickey. “My dad said that her rabbits ate better than him. And we all wanted to be reincarnated as one of her horses. She was a force of nature.” The late Basking Ridge resident was well known for her acts of kindness. One day while Sandy was at the hospital, she immersed herself in making a blanket for her friend’s daughter. Sewing was one of the many crafts she enjoyed as a pastime. Anna Pskowski, BSN, RN, assistant nurse manager at the Infusion Center, The late Sandy Olson noticed a s’mores pattern on the blanket’s fabric. “I told her that my daughter Olivia loves s’mores and camping,” said Pskowski. “She looked at me and said, ‘Say no more; I’m making her one.’ That’s how thoughtful she was.”

–Anna Pskowski

Weeks passed and Anna forgot about the conversation, but Sandy had not. “She had bought the fabric and started working on the blanket before she died but didn’t finish,” said Olson Brickey. “I finished it after she passed. I knew it was intended for someone specific on staff, but I didn't know who. Lisa Duff, foundation officer for the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center, asked around and figured it out. It was the last blanket my mom worked on.” The day that Anna found out about her daughter's surprise gift is a day she will never forget. “I was stunned, and my heart felt like it was exploding when I realized the blanket was for me,” said Pskowski. “Sandy was so near and dear to us here and had such a selfless spirit. Her smile was so bright whenever she came to see us in the Infusion Center. She truly loved all of us, and it showed.” Sandy’s loving spirit will remain a wonderful memory for many, and her family’s benevolence will continue to impact the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center’s future for many years.

Anna Pskowski, BSN, RN, assistant nurse manager for the Infusion Center at Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, holds the blanket the late Sandy Olson made for her daughter Olivia before Sandy’s passing. To support the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, contact Lisa Duff, foundation officer, at: