Helen Florence Miller Olson, 102, passed away peacefully at Pearl Pavilion on Tuesday July 19, 2016. Helen was born April 22, 1914, on a homestead near Chinook and the Canadian border in Blaine County, Montana. Helen's parents were Merritt Miller Sr. from Rockford/Pecatonica area and Lida Harris Miller from Princeton, IL area. During the 7 years Helen's parents lived in Montana, Helen was born, her brother Harris was born, her mother saw the lights of town 2 times in 7 years, and they had 2 crops in 7 years. Family moved back to a farm in Princeton area when it was time for Helen to attend school. Helen and her brother Harris walked the 1 ½ miles to and from Watson School, Malden, IL, and Helen graduated as valedictorian from Malden High School in 1932, the smallest accredited high school in Illinois. Helen then attended Rockford Memorial School of Nursing, graduating in 1936. She married John T. Olson of New Bedford, IL, in 1938. They lived in New Bedford and Manlius with two daughters, Sally and Jean. Helen, Sally and Jean moved to Pecatonica where her parents then lived. Helen worked for Dr. McCauley in Pecatonica until he retired, as Head Nurse with Dr. L. F. Rockey, Bunchman, and East (forerunners of Freeport Clinic), and retired her last 10 years of nursing as Director of Nurses with St. Joseph's Nursing Home in Freeport. After retirement Helen helped drive a couple to Harlingen, Texas, for a couple winters before moving there permanently for 19 years. Music was a love and passion that often filled Helen's home as she loved playing the piano and organ. At 90 years old she moved back to Freeport. At 99 ½ years old she moved to Heritage Woods and celebrated her 100th birthday open house there playing the piano for her guests. She celebrated her 102nd birthday at Pearl Pavilion nursing home.
In addition to many loving and devoted nieces and nephews, family members, friends and large extended families in Illinois, Montana, and New York, Helen is survived by daughters Sally (Jim) Brandt, Pearl City, and Jean (Chuck Ashe) Olson, Sun Prairie, WI; grandchildren Brian (Mary) Brandt, Barbra (Gene) King, Bevan (Angie) Brandt, David (Debra Sue) Winter, and Debra Jean Winter. Also great grandchildren Andrew (Nikki) Brandt, Nathan (Torie) Brandt, Boden Brandt, Kelsey King, Savanah Brandt, Taylor Winter, Haley Winter, Emily Winter and Sarah Winter; great-great grandchildren Brayden Brandt and Jack Brandt, sister-in-law Mildred Miller, and first cousin Ted (Bette) Harris. Passing before her were her parents, both brothers Harris (Bub) and Merritt Jr.(Spud), sister-in-law Kathryn Miller, grandchild Emily Brandt, and special friend Al Spilde.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday July 22, 2016 at Walker Mortuary and 1:30 until time of service at 2:30pm on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Cedarville United Methodist Church
A Celebration of Life will be 2:30 pm Saturday July 23, 2016 at Cedarville United Methodist in Cedarville. Per the family they request that you wear bright colored clothing to signify Helen's joyful outlook on life.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Heritage Woods, Pearl Pavilion, and Hospice for the excellent care given to their mother/grandmother.
The family also respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to a memorial in memory of Helen Olson, R.N., for the HCC Nursing Scholarship Fund. Checks may be sent to the family or mailed directly to Highland Community College Foundation, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL, 61032.
Please leave a message in our guestbook at www.walkermortuary.com