Juanita Olson

Our beloved Nita, born July 18th, 1963, transitioned on January 15th, 2022 after hospitalization.  Nita graduated from Harlem high school, attended Rockford business College and was co-owner of Henry E. Olson Memorials, Inc.  She had a passion for caring for others working as a caregiver for many years. She was also an animal lover, caring for her dog, many rescue cats, and exotic birds. She was an avid and talented gardener.  ? She is predeceased by her beloved son Nicholas Shoudy whose passing in 2010 left an irreparable hole in her heart. She is also predeceased by her father Ron Thompson; her maternal grandparents Juanita Teasdale and Lawrence Bass; her paternal grandparents Doris and Robert Thompson; and her uncle Rusty Bass who was like a brother to her.  She is survived by her mother Sue Thompson, sister Donna Thompson (Mike Benjamin), brother Ron Thompson (Joanne Toto), uncle Ronnie Bass, aunt Vicky Ford (Andy) and her dear friends Jay Wickson, Ann Johns and her husband Bob, and Stacy Lundberg and her husband David. She’s also survived by her dog Misty and her cats KeKe Boo and Furby.  The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the care provided by Dr. Kalweit and the nursing staff of Swedish American hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in Nita’s honor to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary (Rockford, Illinois).