Obituary of Shirley Teresa Olson

Shirley was born on April 27, 1947 in Rimbey, Alberta to loving parents, Alice and Marvin Shultz, and raised by her loving aunt and uncle (parents) Alfred and Vanessa Schrader. She was raised and involved with the farm outside of Rimbey until she left to pursue her career of becoming a Certified Nursing Aid in Edmonton, Alberta in 1965. She then worked at Camrose Hospital and then the Rimbey Hospital. Shirley moved to Chauvin, Alberta where she married Laurie Olson and raised four children on the farm. In 1986 along with kids, grain and cattle farming, Shirley and Laurie built their gravel company to serve the local area until 2011 when she semiretired. On the farm, Shirley welcomed everyone. The door was always open and the fridge full of food which meant no one ever left hungry. She could be found after the day was done playing a game of crib with any of the neighbors that stopped in for supper. During her life, Shirley was best known for her loving and caring personality, smile and kind voice. She had a love of cooking, music, dancing, gardening and her yard. Her yard was always tidy and in the winter months or during harvest the Christmas lights were sure to be on. Throughout the years, Shirley was a big part of our small community of Chauvin, Alberta. If she wasn’t at home she could be found at a home and school meeting, curling or at the skating rink in the concession or in the music booth for the ice carnivals. She was always available and willing to lend a hand where it was needed. In her retirement years, grandma was always surrounded by her grandchildren, spending hours spoiling them. She was always happiest with her loved ones around and music playing. Shirley was a strong advocate for finding a cure for cancer. She was a 14 year survivor which is a tribute to the strength she had. Shirley Teresa Olson passed away with her family by her side on June 1, 2020 at the Provost Health Centre at the age of 73 years. Shirley leaves behind her husband of 48 years, Laurie; sons, Dean (Leslie), Craig (Terra); daughters, Jody (Curtis) and Kim; grandchildren, Marley, Alyssa, Brent, Eric, Ephraim, Brady, Kellie and Ava; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, one brother and two sisters. A service for Shirley will be held at a later date. Precious Lord, take my hand Lead me on, let me stand I am tired, I am weak, I am worn Through the storm, through the night Lead me on to the light Take my hand, precious Lord Lead me home. A Celebration of Life in Honour of Shirley will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2020, at 2:30 pm at the Olson Farm. Laurie and family will host a casual drop-in afternoon of memories, beginning with a formal welcome at 2:30 pm for those arriving then, and ending at 5:00 pm. There will be opportunity for you to share thoughts and/or stories over the course of the afternoon, if you so wish. Please contact office@gregorysfuneralhomes.com, if you require the land-location of this service. All our love, The Olson’s If you wish to plant a tree in the local cemetery, please contact GFH directly at 780-753-2332.