Obituary

Obituary
Polly Ann Olson, 73, of Rockford, Illinois passed away Wednesday, February 10th at OSF after a 7-year fight and an incredibly valiant battle against ovarian cancer. Born on June 3, 1947, in Rockford, Illinois; daughter of Larry and Bettie Olson. Polly attended Marsh and Guilford; she then left Rockford for studies at Augustana, Western Michigan, and San Jose State California. She taught for over thirty years in Walnut Creek, CA., as a speech therapist. When she retired in 2004, she moved back to Rockford and began her “volunteer jobs.” She loved people and so enjoyed working with Womenspace, Midway Village, Swedish Historical Society, Salvation Army, The Mayor’s Office, and more. She so loved her dogs, past and present. She had a big place in her heart for dogs and volunteering at Noah’s Ark, before her health wouldn’t allow it.
I have lost my “Big Sister” - we will meet again. “Death takes the body, God takes the soul, our minds hold the memories, our hearts keep the love.”
Polly is preceded in death by her mother Bettie, in 2020, and her father, Larry in 1971. She is survived by her sister, Mary Barb Olson, of Rockford, IL.; aunts, Shirley Roos of Rockford, IL., Elaine Lestor of Rock Island, IL.; uncle, Don Roos of Aspen, CO.; several cousins; and many devoted friends. No services will be held, but to honor this caring and compassionate person, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. That would please her! Donations may be made in Polly’s name to Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford, IL 61114 or Hospice/Palliative Care, OSF Healthcare St. Anthony Medical Center, 5666 E. State Street, Rockford, IL, 61108. Sincere thanks to the Rockford Fire Department and OSF’s Dr. Jean Kriz, the ER and the third flo