Shirley Olson

Shirley June (Chambard) Olson, formerly Shirley Christie, 91, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 1:25 p.m. in the home of her daughter, Dawn Christie, in Cottage Grove, MN, where she lived since October 2023.

Born on June 22, 1933, at her family home in Hanska, MN, Shirley was the cherished daughter of Crosby and Alma (Frederickson) Chambard. As the only girl in a family of five children, she formed resilient bonds with her four brothers. During World War II, she attended middle school in St. Paul and later graduated from Hanska High School. With a deep passion for caring for others, she graduated as a registered nurse from the Methodist-Kaehler School of Nursing in Rochester in 1965. Her esteemed career began in 1966 at the Mayo Clinic Health System and continued to retirement, where she held various roles. She also did private home care, parish nursing, and assessment nursing for insurance companies.

Shirley married Donald Christie in 1954, and they built a life together in St. Charles, MN, until his passing in 1980. In 1987, she married Clayton Olson of Hanska and embraced her life on the farm homesteaded by her great-grandparents. They later moved to New Ulm in 2008. Clayton passed away in 2012.

A 5th generation member of the Nora Unitarian-Universalist Church in Hanska, Shirley was deeply involved in her community. She served as the cemetery board treasurer, was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1955, and held the role of Vice Chair of the Emergency Department Nurses Association. Additionally, she was active in Good Sam Campers, CASTLE (Community Adult Education), and played a significant role as a Girl Scout leader. Her dedication to service included volunteering at the Whitewater Healthcare Center in St. Charles and leading the American Red Cross Blood Donation Chapter as Chair Person of Brown County.

Shirley was known for her captivating storytelling, delicious meatballs and lefse, as well as her skills in quilting and knitting. Her greatest joy came from spending quality time with her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished the moments spent fishing, camping, traveling, and tending to her garden.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, donor’s local food shelves, or to the donor's choice.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Dawn Christie of Cottage Grove; step-children, Craig (Bonita) Olson of Rochester, Pamela (Greg) Gartner of New Richmond, WI, Noel Olson of New Ulm, Michael (Lori) Olson of Mankato, Brent (Julie) Olson of New Ulm; daughter-in-law, Sue Christie of St. Charles; sisters-in-law, Carol Chambard, Louella Chambard, Joni Chambard; 21 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren with 2 more expected in March.

In addition to her parents, first and second husbands, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sheri Christie; son, Bruce Christie; son-in-law, Terry Kroening; brothers, Alon Chambard, Glen Chambard, Kenneth Chambard, and George Chambard. 

Funeral services will take place on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Nora Unitarian Universalist Church in Hanska, MN at 1:00p.m. Visitation will be prior to the service starting at 11:30a.m.