Nancy M Olson

MADISON - Nancy Maureen Olson, age 86, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, after struggling for over a year with colon cancer, which despite a successful operation to remove it in September of 2020, had spread to the liver. This followed heart surgeries and a stomach surgery that same year. She was born on Aug. 29, 1935, in Madison, the daughter of James Alfred Anderson and Ella Marie (Holverson) Ames.

Nancy graduated from East High School in 1953 and took college courses in the 1970s and 80s. She married Richard Conrad Olson on Apr. 16, 1955. Nancy worked as a classical guitar music teacher for Madison School of Music, for over 20 years. She performed in various venues, including once on television. In addition, she held a number of different secretarial positions with the state of Wisconsin, including one with the Midwestern Universities Research Association (MURA). This position involved typing research documents for scientists and engineers who were working on designing a high-energy particle accelerator. These documents included formulas and equations that had to be accurate. Also, this secretarial position required FBI clearance. She also worked for the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB).

Nancy was a member of the Madison Classic Guitar Society. She enjoyed attending concerts and recitals involving various instrumental and vocal groups and soloists, and liked both classical and folk music.

Nancy enjoyed playing the piano, painting, gourmet cooking, reading, hiking, cross-country skiing, tennis, croquet, miniature golf, and camping.  She especially liked Peninsula State Park, Wis., Mackinac Island and Straits State Park, Mich., and Devil’s Lake State Park, Wis.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Richard; and two sons, Clark Olson and Andrew Olson. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022. Burial will be held at Liberty Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.
 

Memorials may be gifted in Nancy’s name to SSM Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420