Jill Moorshead Olson, 75, passed away comfortably with her family by her side on Wednesday, January 15, 2014.
Born on May 24, 1938 in Evanston Hospital, Evanston, IL. Parents: Helen Moorshead Ridley, Randolph Courtney Moorshead and step-father Perc Ridley. She is survived by husband, Dr. Neiland R. Olson; sister, Meredith Moorshead Mason, step-sister Jan Ridley Pieper and step-brother Jim Ridley; children Christine Olson Hendren (Jim), Neil Courtney Olson (Carol); grandchildren, Jay Hendren, Neil Hendren, Laura Olson and Kathryn Olson.
Jill attended Oak Park High School in Oak Park, IL and was graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL where she majored in Speech and Communications. She married Neil on June 11, 1960 and moved to Colorado Springs in 1967. She was involved with Civic Theater and Children's Theater at the Fine Arts Center. She directed the MASH Bash for the El Paso County Medical Society for many years and was an active golfer at the Broadmoor Golf Club, One of her favorite winter activities was downhill skiing. She was a ski instructor, an amateur racer in the Masters Downhill Ski Program where she competed in the slalom, giant slalom and downhill events. She was champion in all three events for three consecutive years in the mid-seventies. She enjoyed scuba diving, was an instrument rated pilot, played tennis, was a bird-enthusiast and dog-lover. She was also active in the Junior League, Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and interviewed and recruited candidates for Northwestern University in Colorado Springs. Many people said she energized a room when she entered.
A private family-only service will be followed by a memorial reception at the Broadmoor Golf Club on Sunday, January 26 from 2:00-5:00.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to:
American Brittany Rescue; www.americanbrittanyrescue.org
Safe Harbor Lab Rescue; www.safeharborlabrescue.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jill did light up any room she entered. I loved her fun and loving spirit. I will always remember the fun we had on the trip to China when we met. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Patsy & Steve Hicks
January 26, 2014
We are sending our deepest regrets to Jill's family. She was a friend of mine since high school whom I last saw two years ago. I so admired her grit and courage and her joy of life. How fortunate you were to have such a person to love.
Dorie and Orland Smith
January 25, 2014
Neil, Chris and Neil Jr., please know that Lindsay and I share your greif and are sending our prayers for Jill and you.
The memories that began at Northwestern with the Phi Beta Pi medical fraternity parties while in med school and continuing to our recent get-togethers all come back at this time with vivid memories of Jill and her tremendous spirit and courage. We share your loss but feel so blessed to have known her.
Lindsay and Walt Huurman
January 24, 2014
To the Olson Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Olson was such a beautiful, vibrant person and added some wonderful memories to my childhood. She was such a nice and talented person.
With love,
Cindy Schreiber Huxley
January 24, 2014
This message comes with a sad heart...I am so sorry for your loss. Jill had been apart of my life since Oak Park River Forest High School and more recently the Green Lake gatherings of old high school friends since 1987. I will cherish the memory of Jill being my roommate there in 2011. So many good memories. My love and prayers to all of you...her family.
Miriam McCauley Rickert
January 24, 2014
To Jill's family,
Jill holds a special place in my heart as she was always happy , loving, and full of joy. We will all miss her .
Sue Hill Smith OPRF 56
January 24, 2014
Dear Neil, Chrissy and Courtney,
We will always remember that cute little redhead with the infectious laugh, she will be missed by the girls from OPRF Class of 56.. Love and deepest of sympathy to all of you.
Nancy Quinn
January 23, 2014
On behalf of David and Linda Bowerman (aka Copper Copley)we send our thoughts and so many memories of this most talent and fun lady.
January 23, 2014
Neil
I am sorry to hear of Jill's death. She was a bigger-than-life person.
sharon berthrong
January 23, 2014
staci hiam
January 22, 2014
My sympathy to you and yours. Dr. Olson your in my thoughts and prayers. Staci Hiam
Staci Hiam-Case
January 22, 2014
I am so sad after learning of her passing through her sister,my niece Meredith I am saying prayers for her today and may she rest in peace.
Lee Moorshead
January 22, 2014
Dr. Olson, I can not tell you how much you and Jill have meant to me and still do. I have such found memories of our times spent together, especiall our trip to New Orleans for the Academy meeting. She was so inspiring to me and so much fun to be with! Love to you and the family. Ginny, your long time nurse
Ginny James
January 22, 2014
I have only very fond memories, Jill you will be dearly missed
January 22, 2014
I will miss seeing you this coming summer. I have so many wonderful memories of you, that me chuckle out loud. God Bless Neil and the children and grandchildren You are whole now, and I will see you again. Love, Edwina and Jerry Bennett
Edwina and Jerry Bennett
January 22, 2014
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