Shirley S. Olson

• 

Olson, Shirley S. 9/10/33 - 11/07/15 A constant refrain throughout Shirley's life was, "How did I get so lucky?" Gratitude, and incredible support from friends and family sustained her through a difficult last year. At 82, she stated, "My buckets are full." She died peacefully, at home, of cancer. Raised in Virginia, MN. by Richard and Sylvia Silvola, her passion for, and participation in, politics and social justice was bred in the bone from her legislator father. A people-person first and always, Shirley had the ability to create instant rapport. Book lover, lifelong learner, she inhabited other people's lives through reading. As an English and Social Studies teacher in the St. Paul Public School system and at the HUBBS Center for refugee ESL, she cultivated the potential of every person. She received a Federal grant to develop the innovative, experiential curriculum, "Lifetimes." With husband, Ken Olson, ad-exec turned potter, she ventured through the Mad-Men era, '70s feminism, and the new millennium. With son, Barry, they all enjoyed open-door holiday gatherings, travels afar, and summers at their beloved Lake Vermilion cabin. In later years, Vermilion became the epicenter for deepening relationships with her immediate family: son, Barry (Cindra), brother, Rikku Silvola (Char), nephew, Erik Silvola (Linda, adored grandnieces Caroline, Isabelle, Alexandra), nephew, Dain Silvola (Andrea), as well as a "cabin family" that included countless friends. From Peru to Tibet, she visited 13 countries in her '70s. A full life: friends, AAUW, volunteer ESL, symphony, opera, Book Club, "Ladies Club", movies (in theater), Universalist church, homeless outreach, Habitat for Humanity, new restaurants, Finn culture, politics, gardeningand much more. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ken, and brother Rikku. Celebration service: Sat. Dec.5, at 11am, First Universalist Church of Mpls, 3400 Dupont Ave. S. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Mpls Branch AAUW or American Refugee Committee.

Published on November 29, 2015