Elsie (Botelho) Olsen Raphael, of South Dartmouth, known to many as "Aunt Elsie," died peacefully on Monday December 27, 2010 at the age of 91 at Island Terrace Nursing Home after many years of declining health. She was the wife of the late Ingolf "Sonny" Olsen and Albert Raphael.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Gabriel and Belmira (Souza) Botelho, she had been a resident in Dartmouth for the past 37 years.
She was a founder of the Portuguese Seventh Day Adventist Church and presently a member of the New Bedford Seventh Day Adventist Church. She found great strength, comfort and support in her Church.
Survivors include her step-daughter, Shirley Raphael of Dartmouth; her sister-in-law, Mrs. Eli LaGreca of Duxbury; and several nieces and cousins.
She was the mother of the late Robert H. Olsen and David M. Olsen, and the sister of the late Gabriel Botelho, Jr., Thomas Botelho, and Lucille Botelho.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 11:30 AM in the Portuguese Seventh Day Adventist Church, Rockdale Ave., New Bedford. Visitation at the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford Wednesday from 10-11 AM. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.