Judy Olson

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Judith (Judy) Olson, née Carlson on July 23, 2024, after a long struggle with dementia.  Judy was born on September 19, 1940 in Detroit, MI. She later spent her childhood in Arlington Heights. 

Judy attended ISU where she pursued a degree in education, but her roommate had other plans!  She set her up on a blind date with Ed, who later became her husband of 63 years.

As a young mother, Judy was a devoted mom of four children.  She worked with her husband running their business, Parkview Tire & Auto in Naperville.  Judy enjoyed many hobbies.   She was an avid gardener,  transforming her yard into a colorful oasis. Judy was a member of the West Highlands Garden Club in Naperville for many years and made many lifelong friends.  She was also a talented seamstress, making her children and grandchildren’s clothes, costumes, and formal attire. But her true passion was quilting.  She made quilts for all her family members, including baby and T-shirt quilts.  She loved to teach her craft at a local quilt shop in Oswego and worked at Stitches & Stuffing in Naperville.  Judy belonged to the Prairie Star and the Civil War Quilt Guilds.  She enjoyed attending various quilt bee’s throughout the region and weekend retreats with her fellow quilters. Judy was also a talented cook and baker.  She shared her skills of making homemade applesauce and decorating Gingerbread houses with her children and grandchildren. 

Judy held various volunteer positions for the Great Lakes Region Chevy Club throughout the years.  She and her husband enjoyed many trips and activities with the club, driving either their 1955 Bel Air convertible or their 1940 Chevy coupe.

Judy is survived by her husband of 63 years (Edmund), three daughters:  Kathleen (John) Ahearn of Naperville Julie (Dave) Hixson of Oswego and Susan (Tom) Godfrey of Geneva.  She is also survived by nine grandchildren:  Erik (Meghan), Lauren (James), and Miranda Olson; Tracy (Jeremy) Walker and Jake Ahearn; Connor and Ross Hixson; TJ and Daniel Godfrey.  She also leaves behind her brother Richard Carlson of Chicago.

Judy was preceded in death by her son, Michael John Olson of Charlotte, NC, her parents, Elmer & Bernice Carlson, her sister and brother-in-law Joan & Al Gardner, and her sister-in-law Cristina Benitez-Carlson.  

A Celebration of Life honoring Judy will be held at the Naperville VFW located at 908 Jackson Ave. on August 24, 2024 from 2:00 - 6:00 pm. A small service/prayer will be held at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Judy Olson’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org).

Judy’s endless love, smile, and laughter will be missed by all who knew her.  Heaven has gained an angel, and we’ve gained a guardian angel.  Rest in peace until we meet again.

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