Shirley Olson

Shirley Olson, age 77, of Swift Current SK and formerly of Simmie SK, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Clover House, Swift Current. Shirley Anne Olson was born July 6, 1940 in Gull Lake, SK to Andrew & Lillian (Marsh) Lofthang. She attended school at Clairbank, Thring, and Simmie and grew up on the family farm in the Illerburn District until 1950, when the family moved to Simmie. During that time, Shirley was the catcher for the local baseball team, babysat for various families, and taught Sunday school at the United Church — always more than willing to give a helping hand when needed.

After finishing school, she worked in Swift Current at the Experimental Farm (Research Station) and as a housekeeper for a doctor. On April 8, 1960 Shirley married Gordon Grant Olson of Simmie. They started married life in the two-room Olson farm house, where three of their children were born. In 1966, they bought a house that was moved onto another part of the Olson homestead. Shirley spent thirty-six years fully involved in the operation of the farm, all while working casually at the Simmie post office. She loved tending to her huge gardens and berry picking in the coulee with her children. In 1996, Gordon & Shirley moved to Swift Current, where they owned and managed an apartment building, and Shirley took up bowling. Coffee time and suppers with friends were weekly highlights. Shirley will be remembered for her love of camping, birdwatching, curling, gardening, family trips, and working on her puzzle books. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

Shirley was predeceased by her great-granddaughter, Lily Olson; her parents, Andrew & Lillian (Marsh) Lofthang; her siblings, Walter Lofthang, Dick Lofthang and Evelyn Gardner; her niece, Helen (Gardner) Nicolson and nephew, Donald Gardner; her great-niece, Sheila Nicolson; her parents-in-law, Gustaf Olson, Phemie (Grant) (Olson) & Karl Sandberg; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Betty (Olson) Giebel, Pearl Lofthang, Marvin Giebel, Wally Gropp, and Sam Gardner. Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Gordon Olson (Swift Current SK); her four children, nine grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, Brady (Donna) Olson (Gull Lake SK) and their children, Calsey, Garrett (Swift Current, SK), and Jessie (Vermilion, AB); Tammy Olson (Camrose, AB), her daughter and family, Jayden (Michael) Heffner (Tatum) (Sandy Beach SK); Debra (Bernard) Chabot (Saskatoon, SK) and their children, Kelsey (Darnell Stewart) Chabot (Saskatoon, SK), Brooke (Shaunavon SK), and Lindsey (Waldeck SK); and Greg Olson (Swift Current, SK) and his children, Tristan and Mackenzie (Swift Current, SK); her sister, Helen Gropp (Medicine Hat, AB); her sister-in-law, Gladys Lofthang; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia, who will miss her dearly.

At Shirley’s request, a Funeral Service will not be held. In memory of Shirley Olson, donations made to the Lung Association would be appreciated by the family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Olson, please visit our floral store.