Our family invites you to join us on June 4th to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of our beloved Eve Louise Olson, M.D.

The Indianapolis Star
Obituary, May 01, 2022

Eve Louise Olson, M.D.

Eve Louise Olson, M.D., esteemed physician, beloved wife and mother, consummate nurturer and ever generous soul passed away peacefully, encircled by loving family on a beautiful spring afternoon, April 20th, 2022, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

Eve was the second eldest of five rambunctious, tight-knit siblings who spent their free-spirited youth exploring and adventuring Indy’s northwest side. Eve, her parents Joseph and Carol Sackenheim, her two brothers Eric (“Hop”) and Tim, and two sisters Annie and Becky were faithful members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Eve was a pillar to all, not just to the Sackenheims but to all the countless lucky others their generous family blessed.

Dr. Eve Olson was a natural talent, a superb physician, and a truly prolific force in Indianapolis healthcare. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Purdue University a year early, graduated IU School of Medicine in 1978, and worked tirelessly to become one of Indiana’s first residency-trained female emergency physicians. She would emerge as a driving force behind the founding of Emergency Physicians of Indianapolis in 1991; and would later earn distinctions, first as Emergency Medicine Department Chair and later as Medical Staff President of St. Francis Hospital in 1997.

Ready for a new challenge, Dr. Olson pivoted medical careers in 1999, boarded in bariatrics, and broke ground at the Indiana Center for Bariatric Medicine. In 2006, she opened the Olson Center for Wellness, a medical practice featured in the Indianapolis Business Journal for its approach to the vital workplace and healthcare issues of diet, weight management, lifestyle choices, and stress reduction.

Dr. Olson served and compassionately treated record numbers of patients while consistently breaking records in patient satisfaction. In 2009, she was honored with the St. Francis Hospital Distinguished Service Award, presented by the medical staff in recognition of exemplary leadership, dedication, and service; and in 2017, Dr. Olson was officially recognized by Indianapolis Monthly magazine as one of “Indy’s Top Doctors.”

But Eve was more than a top doctor, she was truly a top mom. She is survived by her son John (“JB”), whom she once saved from a black bear attack, armed only with a wooden canoe paddle and a mother’s courage; and by her daughter Kirsten, whom she once rescued from the wilds of a pitch-dark African night, guided only by intuition and a mother’s love. There has never been a brave and generous mother quite like Eve Olson, and her spirit shall ever abide with her children.

Dr. Eve Olson is also survived by her husband, Dr. John Frederick Olson. She often mused they met “over a pan of diseased kidneys,” and claimed to know from the first moment she heard John’s voice that he was the one for her. John and Eve were partners and best friends for over 45 years. They fished remote waters and explored uncharted jungles. They scaled ancient temples and wandered bustling cities. They caught alligators, swam with sharks, canoed through hippos, evaded mad elephants. They worked hard, provided for others, and reared two children. They shared many friends but treasured each other’s minds and company above all others. John and Eve lived adventure, shared love, and built an extraordinary life. “Quos amor verus tenuit, tenebit” (Seneca).

To all the colleagues, friends, and family of Dr. Eve Olson who wish to share their stories and express their gratitude, please know you are most welcome. Her family invites you to attend Eve’s “Celebration of Life” to be held on her birthday, June 4th, 2022 at the Ritz Charles Ballroom, 12156 North Meridian Street. The event opens at 3pm, remarks begin at 4:30pm, and the evening concludes at 7pm. For directions, additional details, or to reach the family, please visit EveOlson.com.