Lola W. Olshefski

Lola W. Olshefski, 97, of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the home of her daughter Melanie Olshefski.

Born in Philadelphia to the late Harry and Violet Wickland, Lola graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in 1946 and later studied art at The Tyler School of Art, before working at the Insurance Company of North America until her marriage in 1954. Together with her husband John Olshefski, she lived a vibrant and independent life well into her 90s.

Fun, funny, clever, and endlessly kind, Lola was a devoted mother, always available with a listening ear and wise counsel. A devout Catholic inspired by the social justice and compassion of Dorothy Day, Lola lived her faith through kindness, generosity, and a deep commitment to her family. She was a woman of remarkable intellect, warmth, and creativity. She read the New York Times cover to cover each day, staying engaged with the world and sharing her insights with her family. Her love of music was boundless-Chopin and Puccini were her favorite composers. Her knowledge of opera, poetry, and Shakespeare was encyclopedic, and she shared these passions with everyone around her.

Lola is survived by her daughter Melanie Olshefski, Melanie's husband Fred Rowland and their two children, Ani Rowland and Jude Rowland. She was preceded in death by her daughter Marie Olshefski in 2025 and husband John Olshefski in 2020.

A private graveside service was held on Saturday, January 10 at Holy Saviour Cemetery in York, PA.