Obituary: Elizabeth Louise Krajcik Olson, 98, of Stratford

STRATFORD, CT - (From Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home) Elizabeth Louise Krajcik Olson (Betty), born on April 14, 1923 in Stratford, CT passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior at her home on December 27, 2021.

A lifelong gifted teacher and devoted to family, she lived a full, faithful and fruitful life of loving service for 98 years for the glory of God.

Elizabeth ‘Betka’ was the 7th of eleven children of John and Anna Valko Krajcik, both immigrants from Slovakia. Her large church going family was noted as hard workers and high achievers, who were filled with genuine respect, love and service for OTHERS.

Betty grew up as a caring and conscientious student who excelled in all her academic subjects with emphasis in Bible, English, Music and Penmanship. She accepted the Lord as her Savior at age 17 after a Vacation Bible School service.

A graduate of Central High School, Bridgeport (1940) and Danbury State Teachers College (1943), she taught Grades 3&4 in the Fairfield Public School System and later substituted in the Stratford School System. She was Captain of her Girl Scout Troup and while all held hands, loved singing the closing song, “God Be with You ‘Till We Meet Again”.

During her teaching days while being in a traveling church singing group, she met the love of her life, Daniel Olson. After a romantic courtship, they married in 1946. Settling in Stratford, she assisted Daniel for 40 years in the Floral Art Shop as his right-hand woman…managing the phone orders and billing.

Together they served as active members at Calvary Evangelical Free Church, Trumbull, CT where they ministered in music and leadership. Daniel was a deacon and played organ, and Betty sang in a traveling trio and taught Bible to students Gr 3-9.

Their five children were born between 1946-1956. Dan and Betty devoted their lives to fully nurture each one in Christian principles, as well as enjoy yearly vacations with all at Block Island, RI.

After her husband’s death in 1990, Betty lovingly cared for her 3 sisters and continued to serve her family in every way possible. Family was her hearts treasure. She diligently kept in touch with all and enjoyed hearing daily reports. God’s Word was her constant companion through all the joys and heartaches through life as she continually aimed to grow closer to Christ - always with humility and thankfulness.

When driving became difficult, she fellowshipped at White Oak Baptist Church, where she was welcomed with open arms and soon became part of the active group of ‘Senior Saints’. Later being homebound, she enjoyed many televised teachings by Dr. David Jeremiah, as well as watching ‘The Joy of Music’ with Diane Bish.

Betty is admired for her deep love of family, devotion in praying and reading her Bible, discipline, high standards, selflessness, gift to clearly communicate, amazing teaching abilities, love of hymns, beautiful singing voice, great cook, warm, caring and open heart to everyone she met, fun loving spirit, desire to help anyone, and especially her faithfulness, thankfulness, and generosity with desire to bring Jesus love and joy to the life of everyone.

Betty is survived by her beloved family of 5 children: Judith (Bob) Applegate of Gales Ferry, CT, Carol (Peter, deceased) Doiron of Bethlehem CT, Sharon (Ken) Kuehlewind of Cheshire CT, Ronald (Roxanne) Olson of Kalama, Washington, and Timothy (Jill) of Derby, CT; 15 Grandchildren: Elizabeth (Craig), Matthew (Brenda), Mark (Izuho), Sarah (Erik), Jonathan, Benjamin (deceased), Timothy, Thomas (Juliana), Rebecca, Ryan (Whitney), Faith (Frank), Laura (Parker), Andrea (deceased), Alan (Caitrin) and David (Samantha); 22 Great Grandchildren: Ryan, Joshua, Caleb, Joseph, Daniel, Anna, Hannah, Andrew, Abigail, Noah A, Liam, Ethan, Grace, Noah T, Nadja, Alyssa, Isaac, Connor, Ronan, Brielle, Charlie and Henry; sister-in-law, Rosalie; faithful aid, Rosie, and countless nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband Daniel of 44 years, mother and father, all brothers and sisters: Edward Krajcik, Anna Sampson, John Krajcik, Pauline Gunderson, Emily Ryder, Daniel Krajcik, Stephen Krajcik, Frank Krajcik, Robert Krajcik, Ernest Krajcik; nephew Stephen Krajcik, son-in-law Peter Doiron and grandson Benjamin.

Friends and relatives may greet the family on Monday January 17, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the White Oak Baptist Church, 5344 Main St. Stratford.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. in church following the visitation. Burial will follow in Mt. Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport.

Memorial Gifts may be made to: Dr. David Jeremiah of Turning Point Ministries PO Box 3838, San Diego, CA 92163 and White Oak Baptist Church, 5344 Main St., Stratford, CT 06614.