Sonia L. Olsen, 91, of Manchester, NH, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Elliot Hospital.

Mrs. Olsen was born on December 3, 1934, in Cincinnati, OH, the daughter of the late John and Charlotte (Baker) Smith.

Sonia graduated from Elmira College in Elmira, NY. While in college, she majored in English, excelled as a collegiate fencer, and met her late husband, John P. Olsen of Foxborough, MA.

After graduating, Sonia married John and returned to Foxborough. She spent her career helping others of all ages. She worked with young children at Head Start and cared for the elderly as a Home Health Aide for Helping Hands. Together with her husband, Sonia was very involved in the foster care program, welcoming many children into their home.

Animals and their well-being were a lifelong passion. Sonia, along with her family, welcomed many rescue animals into their home and hearts. She welcomed all types of animals, from dogs to chickens to sheep, and of course pheasants, into their family farmhouse, Pheasant Run Farm.

Sonia was an active, independent, and adventurous spirit. She participated in all types of activities, even earning a green belt in Karate as one of her many accomplishments. Sonia’s greatest accomplishment was the family she raised. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she made sure they knew it every day. She was their biggest fan, their strongest advocate, and the one they could always count on, no matter what.

Members of her family include a daughter, Patricia Ann Caffelle and her husband, Donald, of New Ipswich, NH; a son, Erik John Olsen and his wife, Cheryl, of Auburn, NH; and two grandchildren, Charles Erik and Lilah Suzanne, also of Auburn, NH. Sonia had one sister, Susan Potthoff and her husband, Tom, of Southington, CT, along with their two sons and two grandchildren. Sonia was predeceased by her husband, John Paul Olsen, who passed in 2008, and by her brother, Dr. Stanley Smith of Manlius, NY.

SERVICES: A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 4 to 5 p.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH. A memorial service will follow at 5 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.

A private family interment will take place the following day at Auburn Village Cemetery.

To view Sonia’s online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.