Olive E. Thorsen of Hampton Bays passed away peacefully on April 22, 2021 at the age of 99 years. Olive is survived by her devoted daughters Doreen Grigo, (Robert)(deceased) and Margaret Pensa, (Giacomo). She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Kurt (Kathy), William (Eylin), and James (Sarah), Theresa Commune (Mark) & Giacomo Pensa, Jr. (Susan) as well her beloved great grandchildren  Ryan, Dylan, Kaylee, Leah, Emma, Mila, Samantha and Oscar Grigo and Davis and Carly Commune & Eliana and Olivia Pensa.

A Mass will be said on Wednesday, April 28 ^th at 10:30am from St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Hampton Bays for IMMEDIATE FAMILY ONLY (Due to Covid Restrictions) followed by a graveside service at 11:30am at Good Ground Cemetery in Hampton Bays. Any non-family wishing to pay their respects are asked to meet at the cemetery.

The family of Olive Thorsen requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church 165 Ponquogue Avenue  Hampton Bays, NY 11946 or to East End Hospice

My name is William Eric Grigo  and I am one of five grandson's of Olive Thorsen.

Memories

I remember my grandmother to always be a very strong independent beautiful women, a trait that has been inherited by all the women in her family from her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Olive the shrewd negotiator

I also remember my parents telling me story about how Olive bought my Mom a brand new sixteen foot speed boat.  This was over fifty years ago. I believe the make of the boat was a G-3. My Mom was seventeen at the time and her father, Olive's Husband, Bill, was not privy to the transaction. Olive haggled and negotiated a price that was possibly below the value of the boat.  Everyone who was familiar with the transaction was amazed. My father would said  "the seller lost his shirt on that deal and beware of Olive Thorsen,  the shrewd negotiator"

Olive's thrill of speed

About 20 years ago during beautiful summers day when Olive was 80 years old, She accompanied my parents from Hampton Bays to Greenport  on a 27 foot Fountain that my parents just purchased. This boat hit speeds in excess of 90 mph. When she was at Greenport, she drank, dined and danced for hours. Then once the sun was about to set, she jumped backed into the speedboat and raced back to port with the last remaining light of the day.  She was not intimidated by the speed at all. She put her head above the windshield and let the wind blow through her hair.

Trip to England

I travel with my grandmother, Olive, to England about 15 years ago.  I remember her mentioning to me, It was her first and only trip to England. She mentioned to me the only contact with her relatives in England were pictures, writings and one reunion they had in New York City some time ago. We had a wonderful time visiting with the extended family that remained in England. One of her relative's named Philip brought out some old pictures of when my grandparents were married. When looking at these pictures, I realized that Olive was not only my grandmother but once a young women. An attractive women with an entire life of her own that I was not aware of. Needless to say my grandfather was not too shabby either.

For as long as I can remember, she was always very fascinated with the Royal Family. So we spent time visiting many of the royal residences including Buckingham Palace. We also witnessed the changing of the guard. In addition to the Royal family, we went to a wax museum, Stone Hedge, and visited a roman bath house. We laughed and shared stories from our different perspectives on life. It was a lot fun. My grandmother was 84 at the time and she was very much in charge of the itinerary, however she would let me add things from time to time to time.

Olive in charge

One summer day when I was 13 years old, 32 years ago, and my grandmother was 66, my Mom went to work and left my grandmother in charge of me and my two brothers. It was Thursday.  My grandmother lived in the neighboring house and would periodically check on me and my two brothers. Unknown to my Grandmother, my cousin Jack who lived less than a mile away drove his bike over to to play with me and my brother Jimmy. That day Jack and I got into some mischief. I think I might have started it. I pulled out an electric water gun and shot him and my younger brother in the living room when they were watching tv. Everyone scrambled. I think I chased them into hiding. When i thought it was all over, I remember my cousin caught me off guard. He climbed through the bathroom window with a gardens hose. The little electric water gun that sprayed 30 feet was no match to the hose. I was soaked from head to toe dripping in the living room when our grandmother walked into the house. She smiled and said to us "that our parents are not going to be happy" She could not believe in the little bit of time we were left along the destruction we caused. That was the last time she ever left us alone again.

God bless Olive Thorsen. A truly wonderful woman. We were best friends for many years. She never gave up on me and was never judgement. She only showed love and patience. Was there for me in my selfish time of peril countless times. I love you Olive - From Giacomo Pensa Jr.

I met Olive for the first time on Christmas in 1998. I had been dating Kurt for three months and was still getting to know the Grigo family. Olive was very welcoming and I had been amazed at how full of life and spunk she was. I also have never known any person at that age who could hop off and on a boat with no help and have a scotch as her drink of choice. She was independent and did things on her own at an age where many people simply can not. When I look back at who Olive was, I will forever remember her kindness, her laugh, and her devotion to her family. - Kathy Dunn Grigo

I'm not sure why some people live longer than others but no matter how long they live it still hurts to see them go.  My grandmother Olive Thorsen passed away today.  She had less than 2 months to go until her 100th birthday.  She was and still is an amazing woman that lived through the original pandemic (the Spanish flu), the great depression and a world war all by the age of 24.  She was never afraid to speak her mind but at the same time had such a big heart when it came to her family.  When my Grandfather Bill died when I was only 12 years old she showed us how strong she could be.  But when my father died a few months ago I know her heart broke.  All my grandparents came out to Hampton Bays and built summer houses next door to each other in the 50s.  That's how my parents met.  I can see her now walking on over to the picnic bench in the back yard joining my grandfathers Bill and Kurt alongside my grandmother Elsie, my great Aunt Willie and of course my Uncle Eddie.  They are having a little too much fun laughing and staying up all night maybe having a little too much to drink but enjoying every moment of it with each other. I hope my father is with them to join on in the fun.  Grandma say hi to everyone for me and tell them I miss them and love them and someday we will all be together again.  I love you and thank you for everything especially my strength to keep pushing on even when some days you just want to give up.      -  Kurt Grigo

Tiny but tough as nails.  My Grandma went to Heaven last night a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday.  She meant the world to me.  She loved my brother and me unconditionally and she adored Mark and my kids.  I'm so grateful we got to share so much with her, she was right there for all of it.  Her strength lives on in my daughter, passed on through my mother and me.  I'm beyond grateful for my mom, Margaret Pensa, for the exceptional care she gave her at the end of her life.  And also to Sandy Holzman, her special caregiver and friend who kept her laughing and taking joy rides.   - Theresa Pensa Commune