Carol Jean “CJ” Pendleton

She was born in Iron Mountain, the daughter of Gerald Wilton Olson and Frances Elizabeth Olson and was a graduate of Iron Mountain High School.

Upon graduating high school, CJ worked at Great Lakes Naval Station for three years, married and started a family. When her children were young, she was a homemaker and later re-entered the workforce as a bookkeeper and junior accountant.

CJ resumed her career with the federal government working at U.S. Customs. She transitioned to the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she was a grants management specialist in the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association (NOAA) and retired with 25 years of service.

After her retirement CJ moved to Tampa to be near her grandkids, Katy and Pen. CJ had a very active social life, loved playing cards, Mah Jongg and bingo, and thrived in her newest community in Tampa. She was an excellent cook and loved watching cooking shows, reading cooking magazines and collecting recipes.

If you looked up the phrase “dressed to the nines” there would be a picture of CJ — you never saw her without a superbly coordinated outfit, her hair perfectly coiffed, full makeup, nails beautifully manicured and jewelry that exactly matched her outfit.

She loved to laugh, and her laugh was loud and infectious. Many family dinners included a laughing bout that brought tears to everyone’s eyes.

Most importantly CJ was a loving, caring and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She never forgot her Upper Peninsula roots and cherished the friendships that were created there.

She is survived by her daughter, Elise Leone (Joe); son, Nathan Pendleton (Laura); five grandchildren, Phillip, Vincent, Jessica, Katy, and Pen; brother, Terry Olson (Joanne); half-brother, Craig Olson (Marsha); and her best friend, Bev Conery and family who will all miss her terribly.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The American Red Cross or Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.