Joan Adele Olson was born January 21, 1963, the daughter of James and Beverly (Newsom) Olson in Minneapolis, MN. She lived in Holmesville, MN, until the age of 6, when her family moved to the Twin Valley area. Following high school graduation from Twin Valley, Joanie attended the Detroit Lakes Vo-Tech for sign painting.

As a young lady, Joannie would spend the next few years working with autistic kids and as a nanny. She lived in various communities including La Crosse, WI, where she would meet her soul mate, Terry Woodliff. Joan and Terry were united in marriage on August 4, 1994, and had their home in La Crosse until 2004. However, it was over the road trucking throughout the Midwest and the West Coast that would occupy the couple's daily routine. Together they enjoyed traveling and were able to visit all the states with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii. In 2004, Joannie and Terry made the move back to the Twin Valley area but continued to drive over the road until 2008 when Terry became injured on the job.

Joannie loved animals and gardening. She was very artistic and enjoyed drawing pictures, especially for her nephews. In January of 2013, Joannie was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and after a courageous battle she passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2014, in Benedictine Care Community in Ada, MN, at the age of 51 years.

Joannie is survived by her husband, Terry, of Twin Valley; one sister, Jodell Olson of Denver, CO; four brothers: John Olson of Burlington, VT, Jarel Olson of Bismarck, ND, Jay (Linda) Olson of Colorado Springs, CO and James Olson of Minneapolis, MN; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Joanie graciously donated her body to the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences for the benefit of medical students' education and further medical advancements.

Memorial Services were held on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the Twin Valley Cowboy Church.

Family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be given to Hospice of the Red River Valley.