SHARON OLSEN

Sharon Ann Olsen, age 80, of Maple Park, IL, passed suddenly and was supported by the love and prayers of her family in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 16, 2023.

She was born in Pekin, IL, on May 16, 1943, to proud parents, Walter and Dorothy Jones.

Sharon grew up in Aurora and the family eventually settled on Barnes Rd. She attended local schools and graduated from Kaneland High School with the class of 1962. Following graduation, she began working at Mooseheart Child City for a time.

Mike Olsen caught Sharons eye in high school but captured her heart a few years later when they walked down the aisle on February 29, 1964. They began their new life together in his hometown of Maple Park and was blessed with their daughter Sherrie shortly thereafter. Grief came to call in 2002 when Mike sadly passed away, leaving a legacy of 38 years hauling cattle, playing cards, dinners at Sorrentos, family gatherings, and even riding horses.  

Sharon worked for the chemical factory in Maple Park, then she went to the Maple Park Bank before becoming a hairdresser and was known for creating the perfect “up-do” with the best hair spray. Sharon began working at the Kane County State’s Attorney office and made an 18 year career, as well as many friends in all walks of life and hallways of the court, before retiring in 2005.

She was a proud and loud member of the Red Hat Society and was a member of book club which became “zoom book club” with any great friends near and far.

Early days with Mike were filled with baling hay and loading cattle. She wasn’t a stranger to hard work and getting her hands dirty, which was necessary to help make the family business run like a well-tuned machine. She had a love of shopping for Precious Moments, Beanie Babies, the best hair spray on the market or even a Cabbage Patch doll during a snow storm. Sharon’s spirit overflowed into each and every day, as well as each and every relationship. Her idea of a good day was a day in the warm sun with great friends and a cocktail or hitting a nearby Casino. Trips to Ft. Myers in Florida were her favorite, especially in the company of Dan and close friends Bill Olsen and Pam Ferdinand. Leaving the cold behind, Sharon also loved Las Vegas where she was at many times lady luck in her favorite hobby, gambling. Other destinations that were near and dear to her heart included group friend trips to Mexico, family trips to Wisconsin Dells with Sherrie and the grandkids, and yearly trips to Lake Mills for boating with the whole family.

In December of 2004, one of the greatest gifts she received was the love and respect of Dan Schleifer. Dan, who also had lost his spouse, found a kindred spirit and loving sweetheart in Sharon. Both found that love after loss can make their remaining years full and combined families complete. 

Many years ago, her grandson gave her the nickname “Lala” and it stuck with everyone. She made sure she made her presence known for each and every special event, concert or sporting event of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Manicured nails and hair dos were a huge priority.  She enjoyed Wednesdays out with friends at The Pub or The Boot, Saturdays playing euchre, the shows at the Paramount, and Sunday dinners at Dawns. Sharon made everything special and was over the top about anything and everything, even down to wrapping presents. In her early years, her Sunday dinners made your mouth water before even coming in the door until Dan took her out of the kitchen and out on the town. Countless memories and friendships are scattered about the paths her life took, making a larger-than-life impact on all those who loved her. She will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

She now leaves her daughter Sherrie (J.J.) Finnan; her partner Dan Schleifer; 3 grandchildren: Nikki (Will) Schmidt, Lindsey (T.J.) Weiss, Michael Finnan; 5 great grandkids: Wyatt, Dane, Paisley, Ellie and Charlotte; 5 siblings: Dorothy Edwards, Janice Love, Clifford (Bonnie) Jones, Charlie (Candy) Jones, Daryl (Sandy) Jones; two sisters-in-law: Helen Olsen and Mel (Fred) Needham; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a countryside full of friends. 

She now is reunited with her husband Mike Olsen, her parents, Walter and Dorothy Jones, and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.   

Visitation will be from 10-1p.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral service to celebrate her life will begin at 1 p.m., also at the funeral home with interment to follow at Gardner Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Sharon’s name to benefit the Maple Park Family Fund. Checks may be made to the “Sharon Ann Olsen Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Memories and tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 10-1p.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral service to celebrate her life will begin at 1 p.m., also at the funeral home with interment to follow at Gardner Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Sharon’s name to benefit the Maple Park Family Fund. Checks may be made to the “Sharon Ann Olsen Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Memories and tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.