Sister Elizabeth Olsen, BVM, dies at 84

Sister Elizabeth Olsen, BVM, died on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at the age of 84. A member of the Sisters of Charity, BVM, she resided at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa.

A committal service and natural burial took place on Oct. 14 at Mount Carmel Cemetery. A memorial Mass and a sharing of memories are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel in Mount Carmel Bluffs.

Born in Butte, Mont., in 1941, Sister Elizabeth entered the BVM congregation in 1960 and made her final vows in 1968. Her ministry included serving as a hospital chaplain at St. Clare Hospital in Monroe and St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Mont. She also worked as a parish minister in Wolf Point and Anaconda, Mont., and taught at several elementary schools in California and Montana.

She is survived by her brother Paul Olsen, sister-in-law Cleo Olsen, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.