Georgiann Olson

Georgiann Marie Olson, age 79, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 29, 2020.
“Georgie Girl” was born October 20, 1940 in Eau Claire to George and Ann (Blanda) Kawell.
She graduated from Eau Claire Memorial HS in 1958, the first class to graduate from the new
school. One week later, on June 7, 1958, she married the love of her life, James Olson, at St.
Olaf Catholic Church.

She and Jim lived for a short while in St. Paul and then moved back to Eau Claire where they
have resided for over 60 years. Together they raised six children in their home along the banks
of the Eau Claire River where Georgie spent most of her days tending to the needs of her
children and keeping them busy and out of trouble! She had a green thumb and enjoyed
gardening, especially her flower garden.

In 1978 her sister and best friend, Janice and family, moved just a few doors down and together
they shared a lot of adventures. “Georgie Boone and Janice Crockett” enjoyed making
memories each year at deer camp and often could be found laughing hysterically over some
crazy joke or prank. Fellow hunters would tease her that squirrels were peeking in the camper
window looking for “Lumpy”, wondering when she was going to get out from under the covers
and come out hunting!

As a teenager Georgie earned money by catching the bean-picking truck and heading to the
fields for the day. She also worked the counter at Kreske’s in downtown Eau Claire. She sold
Avon and Vivian Woodard cosmetics to help provide for the family. She was Vice President and
Treasurer for the family business, Olson Bros. Well Drilling, Inc. for over 30 years. After
retirement she enjoyed a short stint working for Dayton’s at Oakwood Mall.

Georgiann was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughters Natasha Olson, Jade
Olson and Pearl Ann Jerome. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, James, children Patricia (Norb) Brown, Bernadette Werner, Peter (Kaycee) Olson, Andrea (Steve) Smith, Christopher Olson, Maria (Mike) Phelps and sister Janice (George) Hepfler. She was very proud to share that she has 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Georgie Girl will be remembered for her love of life and her deep, deep Catholic faith. She
loved to sew and knit, making countless gifts and treasures for family and friends. Her intricate
embroidery pieces will be cherished by those fortunate enough to have been given. She was
very generous with her talent and donated hats for newborns, mittens for school children, prayer
shawls for those in need, especially cancer patients. She was a volunteer in the ICU family
waiting room at Sacred Heart Hospital for several years and worked at the voting polls for the
Town of Seymour.

She enjoyed cooking and baking and was known for her great meals, delicious desserts and
adventure for trying new recipes, often modifying them! Her prize-winning creole gumbo was a
much-anticipated staple during Christmas; the spicier the better! Good Friday fish fries found
her home overflowing with family and food. She enjoyed feeding the “critters” and loved
watching birds and squirrels. Her favorite was “Suzie” the white squirrel who would take peanuts
from her hand!

She especially enjoyed the holidays, each bringing its own beautiful traditions. Each of her
grandchildren and great-grandchildren were gifted with a personalized Christmas stocking which
she lovingly hand-stitched. Easter brought crocheted eggs in a variety of colors and it was
tradition to “pick one” each year to take home. No matter the reason or the season, Georgie
celebrated in colorful fashion! This included April Fool’s Day! She thoroughly enjoyed playing
tricks and was especially thrilled when it worked!

Georgie and Jim enjoyed camping in their motorhome and in the mid-70’s loaded up all six kids
and drove to Niagara Falls and Boston, a trip none of us will forget! They also took several trips
in their motorhome to Montana to spend time with family and friends.

In 2015, just days before her 75 th birthday, Georgie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She
remained cancer-free for almost 5 years. During the past year she bravely faced trip after trip to
the doctor to determine the cause of her ailments. Unfortunately, the return of breast cancer
was found too late. Forgoing treatment, Georgie chose to live the rest of her days at home with
her loved ones and the help of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospice.

Georgiann was a member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church and the St. Bridget’s Altar Society.
One of Georgie’s most impressive talents was her gift of music. She could play the piano and
accordion but was best known for her role as the organist at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church,
where she led the parish in hymns for over 30 years. She will be deeply missed by her parish
family.

A private funeral and burial will take place for the family and a Memorial service and luncheon
will be held in the future to allow extended family and friends to celebrate her life with us.
The family is extremely grateful for the care she received from staff on the 5 th floor at Sacred
Heart Hospital as well as Dr. Vicki Vande Zande, and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospice.