Elaine Joyce (Olson) Egge

Elaine Joyce (Olson) Egge passed away on Monday, December 21, 2015 in Fallbrook, Calif. Elaine was born 91 years ago to Ida and Oscar B. Olson Sr. in St. James, Minn. In 1943, she married Lt. Magnus S. Egge (now deceased) who, after completing his college and seminary studies, became a Lutheran minister.

Throughout the couple's 71-year marriage, Elaine was a supportive pastor's wife and was known by many for her glowing smile and cheerful personality.

In 1961, she went to work as a receptionist at Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, Calif. Eventually, Elaine completed courses toward accreditation as a medical record librarian, a position she held for many years at various hospitals throughout Southern California.

Over time, Elaine survived four cancer surgeries (colon, breast, and lung) the first at the age of 51, in spite of which she continued to lead a productive, spirit-filled life.

She is survived by a brother, Oscar B. Olson Jr. from St. James, Minn.; and her five children, Pamala Grender, Marcus Egge, Paul Egge, Elaine Brillhart and Kaarn Westerhoff; nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1620 S. Stage Coach Ln., Fallbrook. In lieu of flowers, memorials given in Elaine's name should be sent to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church at 8350 Lake Murray Blvd., San Diego, Calif. 92119, or to Christ the King.