Jennifer A. Olson

Jennifer Ann Olson, daughter of John and Virginia (Maher) Connell, was born on July 6, 1952 in Shenandoah, Iowa.  She passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at her home in Shenandoah surrounded by her family following a courageous battle with cancer. Jennifer was born and raised in Shenandoah.  Working downtown and volunteering countless hours to community activities, Jennifer knew almost everyone around.  She took great pride in her work.  Jennifer's greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially cooking meals for them.  Jennifer is known for her homemade noodles, fried chicken, and chocolate chip cookies.  Holiday traditions with Jennifer were a must.  She loved "watching" her kids/grandkids/nephews/nieces playing sports, if you know Jennifer she only "watched" behind her hands or peaking around the bleachers.  She also enjoyed heading north with her Aunt Marilyn.  Everyone will always remember the "spells" we would be under with laughter when around Jennifer.   Preceding Jennifer in death were her parents John and Virginia Connell, father and mother-in-law Fred and Betty Olson.  Also, her sister-in-law Delores Olson, brothers-in-law Darwin Olson, Bob Olson an...[more]

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Olson and Tim Johnson.   Survivors include her husband, Tom, daughter Emily, sons Kevin, Jeffrey, and Michael all from Shenandoah.  Grandchildren Emma, Grace, and Solon.  Three brothers Gary (Jane) Connell and their children Amy (Steve), Rory, and Ross; Gregg Connell; John (Lisa) Connell and their children Stephanie (Brad) and Craig; and a sister Lisa Johnson and her children Katie (Cambria) and Jake.  Sisters-in-law Nancy Olson and her children Jill (Mike) and Brenda (Mike) and Sharon Buckminster (Kim) and their children Joe (Katie) and Karla (Brandon), late brother-in-law Bob Olson's children Grant (Christina), Chris (Holly) and Katilyn. Jennifer is also survived by many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.   Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am, Saturday, January 21, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah. Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm, Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. In lieu of flowers memorials may be direct to Turnbull Child Development Center. Burial will be held at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah.