Erica Olson

Erica “Risa” Jane Olson (Hannahs), 80, of Peoria, passed quietly away at her home on March 15, 2011. Risa was born on December 23, 1930 in Lansing Michigan, one of twelve children to Logan and Alta Hannahs. Risa married William “Bill” A. Olson on July 28, 1951. Bill preceded her in death on July 6, 2001 after the family celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Surviving are her four sons, William D. (and Sherry) of Kalamazoo, MI, Kenneth R. (and Kathy) of Peoria, IL, James ‘Jamie’ A. (and Carmin) of Saline MI, and Steven G. (and Mel) of Lansing, MI. Also surviving are her brothers Jim, Marv and Gary; 9 grandchildren Cory (and Val), Kevin, David (and Jessica), Chris, Jennifer, Branden, Benjamin, Gavin, Geordan, and 2 great grandchildren Caitlin and Carter.

Risa worked as an executive secretary for P.A. Bergners in Sheridan Village until 1978 when Risa and Bill moved to St. Joseph Missouri, 1978 to 1983, then on to Garden City Kansas until their retirement in 1985 when they returned to home to Peoria.

Risa and Bill were active in the Peoria area and loved their weekly Bridge games with friends. Risa was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to everyone she met with her engaging smile, infectious laugh and a heart of gold. She has left this earthy plane to eternity with her loving husband and many family members.

Risa loved her family and was a terrific cook and awesome story teller. She loved crossword puzzles and was excited to watch her daily dose of Jeopardy. She was a true Michigan state fan and the family believes she may the reason the Spartans have made it into the final 68 for this year’s basketball finals.

At her promise, cremation has been accorded and no public ceremony is planned. A reception for family and friends will be held at 3501 Sodus Court in Peoria where the family will receive friends to celebrate her life and legacy. Reception will be from 1-5pm on Saturday, March 19, 2011.

Arrangements are being handled by Woosley – Wilton Funeral Home. Risa will be reunited in a Mausoleum at Swan Lake memory gardens with her husband of 50 years. Please visit Erica’s Life Story at www.woolsey-wilton.com