Elizabeth Ann Olson

Olson, Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Madison/Poynette-Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Olson, age 95, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at Columbia Health Care Center in Wyocena. Most of her childhood was spent in Edgerton. Betty's mother, Bess Keller Peterson was a teacher. Her father, Alvin Peterson was a judge. Betty's grandfather, Atley Peterson served as the Wisconsin State Railroad Commissioner from 1887-1891. Betty worked as a secretary at Kennedy and later Frank Allis Elementary Schools in Madison for 30 years and part-time at Colonial Manor Nursing Home. Betty enjoyed playing bridge with the Heritage Heights Women's Bridge Club. Her pastime was reading mystery novels. She knew Latin, played piano, and her classic Midwestern chow mein casserole was a family favorite. Betty and Robert "Bob" were members of Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. She was devoted to her family and everyone respected her gracious manners. Betty had an interest in all of the creative arts. She worked very hard without complaint. In her retirement, she volunteered helping children learn how to read at Poynette's Dekorra Elementary School. She had a genuine curiosity in anyone she met. She loved her Siamese cat and Schnauzer-poodle, and when adults, her children's cats and dogs. Betty traveled a lot in her retirement. She and Bob made a road trip with their grandson, Benjamin to Colorado. After Bob's death, she accompanied Sara and Rene to the Philippines. She also traveled with Peter to Ireland to see his daughter, Anna, where she was a student. There were many trips to California where she stayed with Sara and Rene. She resided in many places. After Bob's death, she lived with Karin and Michael. Then, Betty moved to Poynette's Pioneer Place where she lived for over 15 years. There, she made many close friends. Later on she lived with Margit before moving to the assisted living facility, Country Terrace in Poynette. Betty was well loved at Country Terrace. Her husband, Robert M. Olson preceded her in death after 54 years of marriage. They had six children together, Peter Olson, Sara (Rene) Souza, Karin (Michael) Mather, Margit Frickelton, Nancy (Christopher) Condie and Hjordis Olson (Willem Gebben). Betty had eight grandchildren, Naomi, Anna, Matthias, Benjamin, Heather, Joseph, Lucas and Gryffyn; and seven great-grandchildren, Madyson, McKenna, Morgan, McKayla, Isabelle, Micaiah and Merakai. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Heather; brothers, Dr. Rodney and Rear Admiral Alvin "Atley" Peterson, son-in-law, Timothy Frickelton; and many other relatives and friends. A private funeral will take place for the family. Please join her family and friends for a public celebration of Elizabeth "Betty" Olson's life at PIONEER PLACE 2, the community room, 243 W. Seward Ave., Poynette, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015. Our family is grateful to: Dr. Paul Wertsch and the staff at Wildwood Clinic in Madison, both staffs at Country Terrace in Poynette and Columbia County Health Care Center, and to caregivers everywhere who care for those individuals with dementia. We thank all the family and friends who have shared in Betty's life. "We will always love our Grandma O". Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420