Pat Olson

Pat Olson, 89, passed away peacefully, April 20, at her home in Albany, GA.

Born Pietra Sparacio to Giuseppe and Antionette (Amatore) Sporacio in Chicago, IL, on Dec. 5, 1935, she went by the name Patricia for most of her life. 

On Nov. 20, 1954, she married the love of her life, Edmund Olson. Together they had seven children and resided in the Chicago area until Edmund died in 1979.

Following Edmund’s death, Pat and her children relocated to a property known as The Farm in rural Ettrick to live out Edmund’s dream of having his entire family live in the same location. Olson eventually moved off of The Farm and lived in various places throughout the country, spending time in Florida, Mississippi, Minnesota and Georgia. 

Olson is survived by her children: Stephanie Tsolakov (Mary Jo Freeman), Annette (Randy) Pickett, Celeste (Wayne) Bautch, Joseph (Liz) Olson, and Peter Olson. She is also survived by 27 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and siblings, Josephine and Peter, Pat was preceded in death by two sons: Edmund Jr. in 1975 and John in 1998. 

A memorial service was held at Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Home in Albany on April 25. She will then be reunited with Edmund in a burial plot at Woodridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary in Cary, Ill. 

Pat leaves us with a note: 

“At my death, remember the butterfly. I leave behind chrysalis, The now useless skin of myself behind. I burst forth to a new beauty. I leave behind the slow, bulky, prodding body and soar to new heights. I love you.”

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.