Annie Olsen

ALPENA – Marilyn Ann “Annie” Olsen was born and raised in Alpena. She chose to build her life here, surrounded by friends and family, fully embracing all the beauty and joys of life in Northeast Michigan. In her mother’s later years, Olsen stayed with her, caring for her in the family home. After her mother’s passing, she took over the homestead and thoughtfully reshaped the house to suit her own needs–always making sure it remained a welcoming space for her many loved ones.

Olsen’s thoughtfulness in creating a home not just for herself, but for her family and friends is a perfect example of how generous she truly was. It’s not surprising that when Olsen prepared her will, she built the footings for a legacy of charity and kindness equal to that which she possessed during life. Working with her attorneys and family, she carefully and thoughtfully arranged her estate to ensure that the organizations she had supported throughout her life would continue to thrive long after she was gone. Thanks to this thoughtful preparation, she ensured all of her personal belongings and financial assets, including her beloved home and car, were given to support several nonprofits organizations in Alpena.

Among her many charitable commitments, Olsen designated a planned gift to the Development Fund held by MyMichigan Health Foundation. This fund supports MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena’s areas of greatest need. Her contribution will assist in funding significant projects that bring advanced technology, state�’of�’the�’art equipment, and exceptional care to patients and their loved ones–ensuring that Alpena continues to have access to high�’quality medical services close to home.

Ann Diamond, development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation, thanked Olsen’s family for the gift saying, “Annie was a spirited and passionate woman and a true credit to the Alpena community. Her gift to the Foundation will have long-lasting benefits for the patients of northeast Michigan. I am grateful to have known Annie and what a role model of caring and generosity she was. We are truly proud to have earned her trust and to know that her legacy will benefit others in their health and wellness journeys.”

Olsen was a woman who lived an exceedingly full life and was deeply embedded into the soul of her community. She had a long list of hobbies that reflected this joie de vivre–bowling, fishing, hunting, gardening, baking, cooking, traveling, and going all out for the holidays. She is remembered as a warm and welcoming presence, full of enthusiasm and spirit. She was also noted for her dedication – her career at Besser Company spanned 46 years and she was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where her creativity and leadership were deeply treasured.

This dedication, as evidenced by her estate, also spread to many local nonprofits. Olsen regularly volunteered her time, money and expertise for the betterment of our community. Her commitment to service was recognized in 2008, when she was named Zonta’s Woman of the Year, an honor reserved for women whose leadership and compassion leave a lasting mark on Alpena.

Her niece, Jennifer Klein, shared the following, “Aunt Annie cared so deeply about the people of northeast Michigan and supported so many different organizations. She left multiple planned gifts for several nonprofits. The process of planning all these gifts was incredibly important and meaningful to her in her final years.”

Planned gifts carry a unique and profound impact. They don’t just support programs–they strengthen the very fabric of local life. A single gift can help sustain essential services, expand access to care, and ensure that neighbors continue to receive support close to home. An estate gift allows individuals to shape the future of the places they love, creating legacies that extend far beyond their lifetime. Olsen’s gifts are a powerful reminder that in communities like ours, generosity doesn’t just make a difference–it transforms lives, preserves traditions, and builds a legacy of care that endures into the future.

Diamond added, “Planned gifts offer a meaningful way to create a lasting, positive impact. When donors choose to support MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, whether directing their gift to the areas of greatest need, the Cancer Center, or a cause that holds personal significance, their generosity touches countless lives in a powerful and enduring way, now and well into the future.”

“I hope people remember my Aunt Annie’s kindness,” Klein shared. “I aspire to be more like her personally and hope she is an inspiration to many. She believed in doing good, even in small ways. And now, through her gifts, she’ll keep doing good for generations.”

The MyMichigan Health Foundation supports the patients and families served by MyMichigan Health through raising funds for equipment, services, and programs. Those interested in more information on planned gifts or MyMichigan Health Foundation may contact Diamond at ann.diamond@mymichigan.org or (989) 356-7738.