Roxanne (Lawrence) Olden
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Roxanne Olden, 74, of Lenexa, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on May 10, 2022, after a years-long battle with COPD. Roxanne was born June 13, 1947, in the Ozark mountain town of Marshall, Arkansas, to schoolteachers Floyd and Lela (Fuller) Lawrence.
Roxanne moved to Kansas at the age of four and had a happy childhood growing up in Andover as a cherished only child. When she was a sophomore in high school, she fell head over heels in love with the new boy in school. Her dream came true when she married Michael Marc Olden in 1965, started a family, and began a lifetime of adventure.
After the birth of her three children, she decided to finish her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and spent time working for the Urban League. Then her children became her full-time job as she and Marc moved their family around the country. Roxanne (or Roxy as Marc called her) was devoted to her kids and always made an effort to get to know their friends. She loved her kids and grandkids with all her heart and always encouraged them to be true to themselves.
After Marc suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting in severe disabilities, Roxanne was his fierce and devoted caretaker for 16 years, yet never lost her spark.
Roxanne was preceded in death by her parents Floyd and Lela Lawrence, her husband Marc Olden, and her grandson Austin Bryn Bancroft.
She is survived by her children, Andi (Jon) Haiduk, Nikki Olden, and Devin (Laura) Olden; her grandchildren, Jordan (Kamron) Haiduk-Friday, Dylan Haiduk, Presley Bancroft, and Logan Moungo; her beloved pets, Bowie and Sasha, as well as numerous extended family members and friends.
We hope our mom will be remembered for her spirit, honesty and vibrance, her commitment to progressive politics and social justice, her passion for reading, travel, television, Stephen King books, and Jose Cuervo tequila.
In our dreams, Moondog and Daddy-O are road tripping together across the cosmos with her beloved Keeshond, Louis, in the back of the van, and some Rolling Stones or Bob Seger on the cassette player.
A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer. If you are so inclined and wish to make a donation in Roxanne’s name, please consider causes that make the world a better place and organizations that support progressive candidates.
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I will so miss her Facebook post arguing on politics or commenting on all my rescue posts. I know she loved to see all the great animal posts. She was just a wonderful feisty woman that I am thankful that I got to meet and be part of her friends circle. You had a wonderful mother and grandmother. Be pain free and happy Roxi. I love you and will miss you.
Roxanne was a vibrant spirited soul, always enjoyed time with her!
Truly honored to have known this beautiful authentic unapologetic soul! She will be greatly missed.
It’s hard for me to believe she’s gone. I drove by the house in Andover this morning and broke down in tears. Lots of memories there. Will always remember…
I remember Roxanne very well. No grass ever grew under her feet. She was full of life. We celebrated with a toast to Roxanne yesterday at the Class of 65 lunch. They let me crash even though I was class of 62. She was fun.
Andi,
I’m very sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your mom but she sounds like a really cool person, plus she produced you! I hope tour family and friends are there to comfort you in this time of loss
We always considered the times we got to spend with our cousin very special. The first time she visited us in California was when she was two and we were captivated. We are sorry for your loss and pray for God’s comfort for all the family.
I will remember aunt Roxanne for always being kind to ALL her family. Even though I was very shy….aunt Roxanne always included me in all events. I also loved it when she made tomato rice soup. RIP
Best friend I ever had! So happy that she is no longer feeling so bad, and so grateful to have been able to visit her in Dallas. I will miss her dearly.
I will miss my dinner companion and talk of many many different topics… her remarks and thoughts are with me
Russ & I always loved visiting with Roxy & Marc. They were more like best friends, peers, than Aunt & Uncle. I will miss her wit & her strong convictions for making this world a better place for everyone.