SR0748 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0748 LRB104 21632 LAW 37136 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Nancy Kay Olsen, who passed away on March 19, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Nancy Olsen was born to Thomas C. and Flossea K. "Kathryn" (McKinney) Wanless in Springfield on March 11, 1950; she spent her childhood living in various places, including California and Las Vegas, Nevada, before returning to her birthplace during her senior year of high school, and she consequently graduated from Springfield High School before returning to Las Vegas; she married Wm. Richard "Rick" Olsen in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 22, 1970; and

WHEREAS, After spending three years in Minneapolis, Nancy Olsen and her husband Rick moved to Williamsville, Illinois to be closer to her family; while there, she continued her education, taking accounting classes at Lincoln Land Community College; she invested her heart and soul into her family, managing various family businesses with a grace and efficiency that was admired by all who knew her, and her work included a nursery at Sangamon Prairie Pork Farm in Williamsville, the Country Corner General Store, previously known as Bud's Corner, in Springfield, and the Lithia Resort in Shelbyville for more than 20 years; and

WHEREAS, Nancy Olsen's faith was an integral part of her life, which she instilled in her family, guiding them with a gentle and steadfast hand; while residing in Williamsville, she was an active member of the Sherman United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, Nancy Olsen's interests were as varied as they were fulfilling; she treasured spending time with her family, and her hobbies included traveling to Yuma, Arizona, immersing herself in the pages of a good book, meticulously piecing together puzzles, and tending to her cherished plants; and

WHEREAS, Nancy Olsen was an exemplar of love and kindness and possessed a zest for life and a love of learning; and

WHEREAS, Nancy Olsen was preceded in death by her parents; her grandmother, Mary Elizabeth McKinney; her son, Richard Thomas Olsen; her cousins-in-law, Kenny Jacobs, Bob Caudill, and Dawn Ketchum; her brother-in-law, Daniel Olsen; and her cousins, Susan Kilby, John Jacobs, and Tayna Jacobs; and

WHEREAS, Nancy Olsen is survived by her life partner of more than 50 years, Rick; her daughter, Cynthia (Andy) Alepra; her grandchildren, Paige and Aden Parmenter; her step-grandchildren, Kenneth Alepra and Joseph Alepra; her sister, Karen (Thomas) Frere; her nephews, Thomas (Heidi) Frere, Christopher (Jennifer) Frere, Jeffery (Anna) Olsen, Chad (Kayci) Olsen, and Tucker (Rachel) Olsen; her niece, Elizabeth (Matt) Starman; her stepbrother, Vernon (Elsie) Brink; her cousins, James Ketchum, Charles (Paula) Ketchum, and Mary Jacobs; her siblings-in-law, Nancy Jeanne Zins, Susan (John) Atchison, Micky Caudill, and Mark (Maria) Olsen; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Nancy Kay Olsen and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Nancy Olsen as an expression of our deepest sympathy.