Katharine "Kit" Standish (Crone) Olen

Katharine "Kit" Standish Crone Olen, born on September 9, 1934, at Boston Lying In Hospital Richardson
House, entered this world as the beloved daughter of Col. Neil L. Crone M.D. and Katharine Griswold Crone.
Her early years were marked by a commitment to education, attending the esteemed French school, Le Jardin
des Enfants, followed by Belmont Day School and then Shady Hill School in Cambridge. For high school, she
attended Buckingham, a distinguished all-girls institution situated along the serene banks of the Charles River.
Kit's thirst for knowledge led her to Wheaton College in Norton, MA, where she graduated in 1956 with a
Bachelor of Arts degree in French, a language she cherished and continued to embrace throughout her life.
Kit's formative years were deeply influenced by the ravages of World War II. She often reminisced about her
childhood in Belmont, Massachusetts, where her father’s absence, serving valiantly in Europe, left an indelible
mark on her young life. She shared tales of hardship as well as jubilation, recounting the joyous scenes of
neighbors banging pots and pans in celebration on VE Day and V-J Day. The echoes of war resonated
throughout her upbringing, shaping her perspective, and nurturing her resilience.

On June 23, 1956, Kit embarked on a lifelong journey of love and companionship as she exchanged vows with
Roger Keith Olen. During Roger’s tenure in the Army, the couple resided at the Watertown Arsenal for three
years. They eventually settled in Belmont, where they raised their three sons. While Roger established his own
business, Kit dedicated herself to volunteer work within the realms of education, religion, and community.
Moreover, she selflessly served as the primary caregiver for both her parents, embodying the essence of filial
devotion for over two decades.

Among the cherished sanctuaries of Kit's heart was Camp Penowee, a haven of serenity amongst the family’s
cabins nestled on the picturesque shores of Squam Lake in New Hampshire. The memories forged within those
rustic walls were a source of immeasurable joy for both her, Roger, and their entire family. Kit's mastery in
preparing blueberry pancakes was renowned among those fortunate enough to savor the "best in the world"
delicacies on tranquil summer mornings by the lake, and guests were always welcomed to visit whenever
possible.

In 2009, Kit and Roger embarked on a new chapter of their lives, embracing the warmth of Fort Myers,
Florida. There, they reveled in the abundant sunshine and vibrant local lifestyle, savoring the fruits of their
labor and the blessings of togetherness.

Kit leaves behind a legacy of love, survived by her devoted sons Mark and his wife Beth, Steven and his wife
Jie, and Jim and his wife Ngozi. Additionally, she is survived by her adoring grandchildren Michael, Tom and
his wife Molly, Matthew, Phoenix, and Zieozi. To all those who had the honor of knowing her, Kit was a
paragon of grace, emanating a radiant smile, quick wit, hearty laughter, and an empathetic heart. She was
deeply loved and respected by all who crossed her path, and people constantly paused to exchange kind words
with her as they traversed the corridors of her life.

Throughout her life, Kit's unwavering faith served as a steadfast anchor. For decades, she remained a devoted
member of All Saints' Episcopal Church in Belmont. From her early years, through the sacred occasion of her
marriage, and even as she resided a thousand miles away in Florida, her dedication to her church never
wavered. It came as no surprise, then, that in the Chapel of Cypress Cove, nestled in the embrace of Fort

Myers, she discovered solace and spiritual nourishment. Each Sunday morning, her voice harmonized with
fellow choir members, as she contributed to the melodic tapestry of devotion and worship.

Kit's presence will forever be etched in our hearts, a radiant beacon of love and compassion. She was a friend
to all, a source of unwavering inspiration, and a cherished daughter, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother
to an ever-expanding and devoted family. As we bid her farewell, we do so with profound love and a deep
sense of gratitude, for her spirit continues to guide and uplift us each and every day.

A memorial service, commemorating the loving life of Kit, will be held on July 17th at 10 AM at the Brown &
Hickey Funeral Home in Belmont. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Highland Meadow
Cemetery, by the side of her late husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests that donations be made to your local Veteran's organization, in
honor of Kit's unwavering support and deep respect for those who have served our country.

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