Jo Ann Olson

Dear, kind, Jo Ann Olson passed on December 23, 2023, while surrounded by and cared for by her loving family, whilst residing in Killingworth, CT. It was there that she was so, so wonderfully cared for by her daughter, Ingrid and son-in-law, Orlando.

Jo resided with her husband, Ned Olson in Wallingford since 1963, and enjoyed every minute of it. Jo was born September 13, 1941, in Potsdam, NY, to the late Helen and Louis McGrath. While living there, she attended Potsdam County Middle and High School. It was while she was a nursing aide at Potsdam Hospital that she met Ned.

Their marriage on July 29, 1961 began a still continuing, wonderful, loving marriage. Jo is the mother of Daniel Olson (wife Kim) of Chesapeake, VA, Ingrid McManus (husband Orlando) of Killingworth, CT, Karen DiMatteo (husband Tony) of Berlin, CT, and Carl Olson of Guilford, CT. She is also the grandmother of Douglas Hagen of Cromwell, CT, Michael Olson of Chesapeake, VA, and Jaci Jo McManus of Wallingford, CT, and great-grandmother of Jacob Hagen.

Jo leaves her six siblings; Sue Birmingham of NY, Linda Chase of NY, Steve McGrath of FL, Pat McGrath of IL, Cindy Oatman of FL, and Rosie Pitman of FL.

Jo was a wonderful, loving, and caring mother to her and Ned's children, and homemaker to all. Joe's adoration and joy of her horses made it possible for her to look out her kitchen window and see one or more of her much loved and cared for riding horses. She had a kindness toward and an affinity with them that was a joy to behold.

Her years of pleasure and competitive riding brought a very deep contentment in unity with all of them. She rode with a smile!

When her children were grown and established, she worked outside the house as a part-time dairy farm milker, and then begin a wonderful 23-year career at Lexington Gardens Greenhouse. She worked for, and with, Loretta Mufson, with whom she became, and remains, a lifelong friend. The travel and work experiences she shared with Lorretta was often recalled and re-savored by both.

It's of note, Jo's appreciation of others toward care in particular, she was always an advocate of both the Wallingford Animal Shelter and the Wallingford Emergency Shelter.

Jo was dealt a hand that included Alzheimer's disease, but she played that hand in the most resilient and uncomplaining way you could imagine: it exemplified a most admirable characteristic as exemplified by her much embraced mantra, "A day is a waste without a laugh!" We are so glad that we were included in the life of such a wonderful person. Services will be private and are in the care of the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.BaileyCares.com