Sharon Lynn Olson was born February 3, 1948, in Westlake Hospital. She was baptized on February 6 at Westlake by Dr. Paul Kluender.
She was a devoted daughter of the late Arthur (Art) and Margaret (Marge), nee Ellenberg, Olson. She is survived by her sister Carol (William) Peterson: nephew Jon (Tamara) Peterson, niece Kristen (Mike) Bryant; great nephews Aidan Peterson and Kyle and Owen Bryant; long-time, close friends Lori Oldenburg, Jeremiah Oldenburg, Micahla and Kendylle Shumaker, and Zaylee Shumaker. Also survived by many cousins, church, school and other friends. She is a proud Godmother to Kristen Joy Bryant and Kendylle Joy Shumaker, the “joys” of her life, and honorary grandma to Jeremiah, Micahla, Kendylle and Zaylee.
Sharon attended St. Paul Lutheran School in Melrose Park and Proviso East High School in Maywood. She was confirmed at St. Paul on April 15, 1962, and received her confirmation verse chosen by Pastor Marc Kluender: A faithful member at St. Paul until June 2014, when the school closed, she then transferred her membership to Immanuel Elmhurst where she made many new friends through the church and school. At that point, Immanuel became her “home”. Sharon served on various boards and committees at St. Paul Lutheran Church, including Deacons (chairperson), Stewardship, and Education (chairperson). A special highlight for her at St. Paul was being chairperson of the school’s 100th Anniversary celebration, including writing and directing the entertainment. She enjoyed singing in the adult choirs at both St. Paul and Immanuel Lutheran Church as well as helping with Vacation Bible School. When she retired, she enjoyed volunteering at both grade schools whenever there was an opportunity. Being active at church was a quality she inherited from both of her parents.
Her career was secretarial/administrative jobs. She worked at Hines VA Hospital for 12 years, then at Catallactics/SunGard for 18 years, and various other jobs until her retirement in 2013. In her younger days, she enjoyed travelling with family and friends. Following in her dad’s footsteps, she was an avid bowler for more than 30 years. Also influenced by her dad, she was a passionate Cubs fan since the age of 10 and enjoyed going to games, trips to Spring Training, and a few Cubs Conventions. She was thrilled that she could see a Cubs World Series victory back in 2016. In recent years, she enjoyed spending time with classmates from St. Paul as well as other good friends.
Sharon tried to live with a good sense of humor. Some people got it, some didn’t. But if she could make people laugh, then she was happy. She enjoyed acting (if you could call it that), and had a minor role in the movie, “Uncle Buck”.
Born and raised in the Lutheran faith, her trust in her Lord continued to grow over the years. She always felt there was nothing God would give her that together He and she could not handle. Even with her cancer diagnosis in 2022, she kept a positive attitude knowing that her life was in God’s hands.