Christina Maria Holmes Olsen

Christina Maria Holmes Olsen passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 5:05 a.m. surrounded by the love of her family after a brave battle with Glioblastoma. She was born to Maria Rosaria “Rosie” Balzano Holmes in Naples, Italy August 8, 1979. She and her parents relocated to Charleston, South Carolina when Christina was one and then landed permanently in Ogden, Utah. Christina is the oldest of three sisters, Amy Mansfield and Danielle Nelson. 

Christina graduated from Weber State University in 2010 with a Bachelors of Science in Education kicking off a joyful career of teaching students with disabilities. She went on to get a Masters degree and was enrolled at WGU for an additional Masters in Educational Leadership prior to this diagnosis. Christina advocated hard for her students and loved them deeply. She passionately taught at Fremont High School, Freedom Elementary, Bonneville High School and Canyon View. Being with her students brought endless joy and laughter, no one loves teaching the way Christina did. She loved her students so fiercely it was palpable. Christina made life-long friendships with her classroom support staff and colleagues. She loved them dearly.

Christina married her high school sweetheart, Ryan Olsen in May of 1998. Their beloved son, Breydon Olsen, attended the nuptials and even burped loudly during the ceremony. Connor Olsen followed behind two years later. She loved her family and was a strong example of motherhood. 

Christina had a wonderful sense of humor. Our family started calling her “Christ” as an abbreviation for her name many years ago, she joked it was because she was all knowing. For Christmas this year she gave her family a “Christ is the center of this home” sign for us to hang. Another example was when she approached her younger sibling to record her “Netflix and Chilling” during the pandemic to send to her colleagues. Danielle had to clarify what Christ thought “Netflix and Chill” meant, Christ thought it literally meant to watch Netflix on the couch with snacks. The literal version. She then turned bright red when she realized she sent out an email to the school staff saying that her hobbies included “Netflix and Chilling”.

Christ passed away knowing that nothing is better than Harry Potter, Schitt's Creek is the best show to ever have been created, Beyonce is BAE, there is no drink superior to Diet Coke, and no food is as good as fried food.

Although Christina’s life duration was less than average, her life lived was anything but average. Christina loved without judgment, educated with love, advocated hard, laughed easily, and cared endlessly. You could always find her cheering for nieces and nephews on the sidelines, at dance recitals or in plays, she was the best aunt! As I sit here reading this draft to her she would like everyone to know that this makes her sound much better than she actually is, and that she had a smart mouth and an attitude. Lastly, please keep in touch via ouija board. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Ryan; children, Breydon (Brianna) and Connor Olsen; her two sisters, Amy Mansfield and Danielle (E.J) Nelson; her mother, Rosie Holmes; her mother and father-in-law, Rodger and Nanette; sisters-in-law, Kristi (Ryan) Woosley and Tina (Eric) Bordenave; brother-in-law, Jaryd Olsen; many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and students and friends who loved her. 

Friends may visit with family on Monday, June 12, 2023 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Graveside services will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

Christina requested casual attire for her services. Please wear sweatpants, pj’s or jeans and a t-shirt.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Sutherland who was always an Angel to her and Dr. Mendez and the amazing staff at the Huntsman’s Cancer Institute. 

Memorial donations can be made to the Weber School District Foundation for Special Education in lieu of flowers.   

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