Christy Ann Olson

The oldest of four children, Christy was born to George and Marcine Barr on October 9, 1947 in Ashland, Wisconsin. She attended Northern Illinois University where she met her husband of 52 years, Greg Olson. They moved to East Lansing, Michigan where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University. Christy and Greg married in 1968 and had three children. They had a marriage full of adventure, moving several times over the years including Connecticut, New Hampshire, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio and Arkansas, before they settled in Apex, North Carolina to be close to family.

Christy was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling, quilting and sewing, bicycling, hiking, baroque music, English breakfast tea, and loved nothing more than organizing a closet, garage or kitchen for herself or her kids. She was a scientist, a researcher and an amazing role model for her children, working while raising a family. She worked for Procter and Gamble in Cincinnati for many years, as a researcher on products such as the Pur water filter and Always feminine hygiene products. Christy traveled around the world for P&G, doing product research and interviews to provide clean water and hygiene to people in countries such as Bangladesh, Guatemala and Honduras. She loved telling stories about her travels and collected artifacts from all over the world.

Christy instilled a love of adventure in her children, and traveled with them to countries such as Sweden, Norway, France, England, and Italy, as well as national parks and cities in the US. She loved visiting parks, arboretums and gardens, as well as art, science and history museums. Christy was a tennis player in high school and loved playing and watching tennis. She also enjoyed singing in choirs over the years and always looked forward to Handel’s Messiah at Christmas. Christy was independent, smart, caring, friendly, fearless, brave, strong and unique. She will be fiercely missed by everyone who knew her, especially her husband and family.

Christy is preceded in death by her mother, father and her brother Jeff. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Greg, and her three children, Julie (von Haefen), Suzanne (Sibel) and Peter, as well as her sisters Mary (Barr-Gilbert) and Linda (Stelling). Her six grandchildren – Bryce, Claire, Abby, Kyle, Cameron and Mia – gave her endless joy.

The family will have a private memorial service at a later date, after the pandemic allows for safe travel and gathering.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society or your local PBS station, as she loved and enjoyed public television her entire life. Condolences can be shared at www.apexfuneral.net.