Obituary for Sharon Olson

Sharon Mary Olson, 85, of Maple Grove, MN, died on May 16, 2024, peacefully at home in the care of her daughters. Mom slipped away as gently as a whisper into the evening.

Sharon was born to John James Connors and Elaine Marie Soltau in Minneapolis, MN. She arrived a mere 3.5 lbs fitting into a shoe box; the oven was her incubator. The oldest of four children reared near Lake Harriet, Sharon attended elementary school at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School. She graduated from the Academy of the Holy Angels High School class of 1956, then trained as a medical lab assistant and X-ray technician at the University of Minnesota.

Sharon was preceded in death by her loving husband, Milton E. Olson, father John, mother Elaine, dear sister Patty Easter, and stepson George Olson. Sharon is survived by her brother, Steven Connors, sister, Mary Ann Seim (Richard); 5 children: Lynne Steiner, Michelle Steiner, Drew Steiner, Keith Steiner, and Colleen O’Neill (Rory); her wonderful children through marriage to Milton Olson: Mike Olson (Brenda), Warren Olson (Gloria), Wesley Olson (Deb), and Mark Olson (Diane); 25 grandchildren: (Lynne) Arin Miller, (Michelle) Benjamin al-Haddad (wife Monica Moses-Haller), (Drew) Andrew, Erin, Vincent, Jay, Carolyn, (Colleen & husband Rory O’Neill) Kiara, Cloda, Bridget, Maisy, (Mike & Brenda) Sashaa (Jason) Murphy, Zac (Jen Zenz) Olson, (Warren & Gloria) Noel, David (Erin), Daniel (Arianne), John (Sarah), Melody (Kirk) Sutherland, (Wes & Deb), Jennifer (Dan) Lageson, Eric, Valerie (William) Haldy, (Mark & Diane) Oliver, Spenser (Mai); 21 great-grandchildren: (Benjamin & Monica) Zayda and soon to be born baby boy, (Jay & Chachi) Francis, (Sashaa & Jason) Jeremiah, Jacob, (Zach & Jen Zens) Chloe, (David & Erin) Kensie, Kallista, Kora, (Melody & Kirk) Mack, Kylie, and Krew, (Daniel & Arianne) Kayden, Esmay, Gavin, (John & Sarah) Anyah, Aubrey, Axel, (Jennifer & Dan Lageson) Mitchell, Isabelle, (Eric) Ivy, Azlyn.

Sharon worked at the Allina Health Care System for 30 years, retiring from the Champlin Clinic in 2003. Vickie Scott and other co-workers became her lifelong friends. When receiving care at the clinic, it brightened her day to see their friendly faces and her handcrafted holiday stockings on display in the lab during the holiday season.

Sharon loved and appreciated all the professionals assisting in her life including her doctor, Millie Rotzell, her financial planner, Eric, and her lawyer, Jill. She genuinely treasured all these people and looked forward to each visit. A special shout out to her grandchildren Arin and Cloda for their loving in-home care.

Sharon raised her children in their home on Main Street in St. Michael, Minnesota. Sharon and Milton’s home was open to all family, friends, missionaries, and others in need. She had a beautiful heart and a generous soul. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Mornings were Sharon’s favorite time of the day. She loved meditating in the living room looking out the picture window at her rock water garden and flowers.

Sharon was blessed to have happy, loving parents who hosted extended family in a variety of ways: holiday parties, annual fishing vacations at Gallup’s resort in northern Minnesota, weekend overnight get-togethers with grandchildren, visits with Auntie Bea, Uncle Joe, cousins (especially Donny) in Keokuk, Iowa. During challenging times, Sharon found strength and solace at her parent’s home in Minneapolis and later at their house in Martin Lake.

Other happy memories for Sharon include visiting her nieces and nephews at her sister Patty’s farm in Wisconsin and her brother Steve and his family at their home in Minneapolis and later in northern MN.

Sharon found so much joy in Colleen’s visits from Alaska; the house would fill up with granddaughters, laughter, plus many of Colleen’s childhood friends. Fingerprints on the picture window testified to the granddaughter's fun for months after their departure.

Sharon’s Irish eyes were always smiling and her heart was warm and joyous. Sharon’s grandchildren fondly remember baking with her and coming home to the aroma of bread, apple cake, and other sweet treats. Sharon loved crafting quilts, painting ceramics, creating porcelain dolls, beading purses, making whimsical art, and sewing fabric ornaments with her wonderful daughter-in-laws Brenda and Deb, and granddaughter Valerie. She was a faithful member of the “Stitch and Bitch” club and cherished her visits to Olson’s Wine Wednesdays on the Mississippi River in Monticello.

Sharon was thrilled with weekly Facetime calls with family members, especially Keith. He shared his love and appreciation with her, recounting many funny exploits from his childhood. She was very proud to see her grandson Ben complete his long education, attend his marriage to the lovely Monica, and celebrate her newest great-granddaughter Zayda.

In her 50-year St. Angel’s class reunion booklet (2006), she wrote, “I am content with the choices I made. Some were very hard learning experiences, but they all make up my life”.

Dental work in her youth enhanced her beautiful smile. Because of this, she supported the Smile Train throughout her life. Any donations can be made to this organization.

Her family is profoundly grateful to have had the opportunity to be with and care for her for the last couple of years of her life. Thank you to all those who loved and supported Sharon throughout her life. She will be dearly missed; we are confident Jesus, along with all her deceased loved ones, embraced her in eternal life the moment she passed.

The Monday, June 3, 2024 program is as follows:

9:30 am - Visitation at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9100 93rd Ave North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

10:30 am - Service at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9100 93rd Ave North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 followed by a celebration of life in the community room.

If you wish to send a flower arrangement, please send it to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Web Link for Mass

https://vimeo.com/event/4347452/c12b22acd5