Annie Laurie Olson

Annie Laurie Olson (née Goolsby) passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Annie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was admired by everyone who knew her, often loved, and she made a lasting impression on people from all walks of life, including neighbors, coworkers, and even those she encountered in everyday life. Her kindness, warmth, and genuine interest in others were unmistakable. David often said that everyone who knew Annie respected her, admired her, and loved her.

Annie was born and raised in the East Texas town of Mount Pleasant and came from humble beginnings. After graduating high school, she moved to Dallas, Texas to begin her adult life and quickly established herself as a dedicated and capable professional. She held positions as a secretary, typist, and office assistant, consistently excelling in her work. During her years there, she worked several jobs as a secretary, typist, and office assistant and consistently excelled. She often worked overtime so she could have a little extra pocket money to purchase small items at Neiman Marcus, the upscale store in downtown Dallas near where she worked.

Although Annie completed college coursework during her career, including classes at the University of New Mexico, she did not earn a college degree, something she mentioned from time to time. However, her intelligence, determination, and people skills carried her far beyond any formal credential. Annie succeeded, and often overachieved, in every job, volunteer role, and family responsibility she accepted.

After her time in Dallas, Annie married, moved to Houston, Texas, and began raising a family. There she worked for a small oil and gas business and became like a daughter to the owners. Annie learned quickly and took on increasing responsibility. In addition to mastering the operational needs of the business, she developed valuable experience in communications, media relations, and public affairs. No matter the role, Annie excelled.

Several years later, Annie and her family relocated to Southern California following her husband’s job transfer. During those years, Annie devoted herself to raising her children and to serving her community. She volunteered faithfully at the family’s church and contributed her time and talents to local political campaigns. A memorable highlight during this period was her work handling news media during a major and dangerous oil and gas well fire, involving the company of renowned oil-well firefighting expert Red Adair.

In the late 1970s, Annie and her family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, seeking the benefits of a smaller metropolitan community. Soon after arriving, she was referred to BDM Corporation, a scientific company in Albuquerque, where she worked as an assistant to a senior executive.

In 1980, Annie was asked to open and manage an Albuquerque office for a large, family-owned oil and gas exploration and production company with which she had prior experience. Although the office later closed due to economic reasons, Annie’s leadership and professionalism were clear throughout that effort.

Annie and David C. Olson were married on January 16, 1982, beginning a partnership that would span 45 years. Together they built a beautiful life and raised a blended family rooted in love, loyalty, and strong values.

Not long after their marriage, Annie continued her professional career when she was recruited by the President of the Gas Company of New Mexico to serve as Director of Public Affairs and Media. Annie and the President had met through volunteer fundraising efforts benefiting the University of New Mexico Hospital’s Children’s Hospital. Later, when the Gas Company was acquired by the Public Service Company of New Mexico, many positions were eliminated, including Annie’s.

Almost immediately afterward, Annie was hired by the CEO of UNM Hospital and UNM Children’s Hospital, who had come to know her through her volunteer service, to serve as Public Relations and Media Director for the hospitals. Annie held this role for nearly 20 years, until her retirement. Even after retiring, she was persuaded by the Dean of the UNM School of Nursing to continue serving for three additional years as a contract employee in the same capacity, also taking on duties as Alumni Director.

After Annie completed her contract with the Nursing School, David retired from his law firm after 30 years. For the next two decades, until August of 2024 when David’s solo law practice closed, Annie managed the home-office practice with the same steady excellence she brought to every part of her life.

Annie and David were devoted supporters of the University of New Mexico. Throughout their marriage they were enthusiastic fans of UNM Lobo Football and both men’s and women’s UNM basketball teams, and for many years they were season ticket holders. They were also longtime subscribers and supporters of Popejoy Hall (Popejoy Presents and Broadway New Mexico).

Community service was central to Annie’s life. Annie and David served as presidents and board members of the New Mexico chapter of the American Heart Association. They were also members and officers of Duke City Civitan Club, supporters of St. Pius High School and Albuquerque Academy, and faithful members and supporters of St. John’s United Methodist Church. Throughout her life Annie also supported many other charitable and community organizations.

Annie is survived by her devoted husband, David C. Olson, and her children: Kym (Kelly) Hughes of Van Alstyne, Texas; Jay (Cris) Hughes of Oxford, MS, Natasha Ellison of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Noel Ellison of Dallas, Texas; Stacey (Eric) Jones of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Brent (Jennifer) Olson of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and her “adopted” daughter Ruth (Michael) Portacci of Nashville, Tennessee. She is also survived by her grandchildren Patricia Hughes, Merrick Ellison, Vaughn Ellison, Tyler Gibson, Andrew Olson, and Calvin Olson.

Annie was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Goolsby and Lois Beasley Goolsby, and her siblings Grace Helen Goolsby Wynne, Curtis Harold Goolsby, and Baby Glenn Goolsby, all of Mount Pleasant, Texas.

Annie is deeply loved and will be loved forever by her family and by all those whose lives she touched. Her faith was an enduring part of who she was, and she is held in eternal love by her Heavenly Father and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Contributions may be made in memory of Annie Olson to the institutions below which were among her passions:

Popejoy Hall Excellence Fund -  https://www.popejoypresents.com/support/popejoy-hall-excellence-fund

St. John’s United Methodist Church Albuquerque - https://www.stjohns-abq.org/

American Heart Association of New Mexico - https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/new-mexico

UNM Children’s Hospital - https://unmhealth.org/childrens-hospital

Viewing will be held on Thursday January 15, 2026, from 4pm to 6pm at Carlisle Chapel. Services following the next day Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11am at St. Johns United Methodist Church. The family will be hosting a reception Friday January 16, 2026 at the Canyon Club from 4:00PM to 6:00PM.