Sharon Olson Obituary

Olson
Sharon Renee
(Gordon) Olson
February 20, 1946
October 17, 2023

Sharon Renee Olson died peacefully on October 17, 2023 after a year-long battle with a rare and aggressive cancer known as Merkel Cell Carcinoma.
Shari was born February 20, 1946 to Arthur J. Gordon and Helen C. (Enger) Gordon in Kerkhoven, Minnesota. She grew up there and graduated from Kerkhoven High School in 1964. Following graduation from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, she married her high school sweetheart Gary Olson in 1967 and began teaching second grade in Fridley, Minnesota.
As part of an Air Force family, Shari lived in Maryland, Alabama, Germany, Colorado Springs, England and Virginia before spending her retirement years in Monument, Colorado. She loved all of the family's travels and adventures all over Europe but Switzerland was her favorite.
While living in Woodbridge, Virginia, Shari was a much loved assistant teacher at St. Matthews Preschool and in primary-age classrooms at a local public school. Shari lived out her faith and was active in her church in Virginia as well as at First Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs. Shari especially enjoyed supporting the children's book and toy ministries for children in need, preparing Christmas gifts for teens in group homes, and singing in the church choir. Shari was generous and enjoyed sharing special gifts and cards with those around her. She was devoted to her family and loved to spend time enjoying the activities and accomplishments of her grandchildren, both near and far. Shari and Gary celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in August with a special trip retracing their favorite honeymoon stops on Lake Superior's north shore in Minnesota.
Shari was preceded in death by her parents and brother Arlo Gordon. She is survived by her beloved husband Gary, daughters Kristin (Jim) Swift and Laurie (Jeremy) Edwards, as well as her three grandchildren, Sadie Swift, Jake Swift and Matthew Edwards. She is also survived by her nephews Adrian (Charlene) Gordon and Brian (Pam) Gordon and nieces Martha Paulson and Becky (Reid) Carlson.
A memorial service will be held at 11am, November 13th at First Lutheran Church located at 1515 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, with a reception to follow. The service will be live-streamed on youtube.com First Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Shari Olson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the First Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or to a charity of your choice.