Dorothy Jean Olson Ericson

Dorothy Jean Olson Ericson, 92, passed away in Carbondale, IL, on December 22, 2016. Born Feb 9, 1924, in Greenwood, NE to Frank A Olson and Georgia Anna (Schuster) Olson, she was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 52 years, Richard V Ericson, daughter, Gayle Ericson, brother Guy Eugene Olson, sister, Frankie Irene Olson, sister-in-law Sylvia (Erickson) Logan, and brother-in-law August J. Borghesi. She is survived by her daughter, Christine L Ericson Svec (Terry), Ava, IL; sons, Michael Ericson (August) and Kevin Ericson (Gretchen Wheal), Seattle, WA; grandchildren Brian Svec (Laura) Memphis, TN, Sharon Svec (Matt Brislawn), Vancouver, WA, Hallie Ericson Pritchett (Zach) Bellevue, WA, Brenna Ericson Franco (Dennis), Mike R J Ericson Seattle, WA; great-grandchildren, Tetra Jean Brislawn, Zoe Jocelyn Carol Pritchett and Lucca G Franco; and numerous nieces and nephews, and very close in-laws sister-in-law Phyllis C (Ericson) Borghesi, Burnsville, MN, and sister-in-law Patricia (Chase) Olson, Downers Grove, IL. She earned a B.S. from University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1944 and an M.S. from Northern Illinois University in 1966. Dorothy Ericson was a very intelligent, adventurous and compassionate woman who, with her loving husband Richard, raised four children and helped hundreds of others learn how to succeed in the world of business. Her love of travel took her to most states in the United States, and most countries in Western Europe. She saw to it that each of her kids was able to visit Europe at least once. She lived in several different places with the longest in Havelock, NE, Westchester, IL, and Naperville, IL, She was a seamstress extraordinaire who, when she graduated from college, took a week off to sew a whole new work wardrobe before leaving for Ohio! She sewed every special dress for parties and/or dances for herself and both daughters. She loved reading newspapers and magazines to keep up to date on the world around her, and often clipped articles on how to be more successful and sent them to her children. When her offspring were young, she served several years volunteering on the PTA, Band Parents, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts, Little League and Pop Warner organizations, as well as the 50/50 club at Westchester Community Church. She rarely missed any special events of her children, from Little League games to high school basketball, football, pompon squad, dance concerts, college graduations, weddings, showers, and long trips just to visit kids and grand kids. She taught at Addison Trails High School and Triton College in Illinois. She had been an avid bridge player since college, and maintained happy relationships with her Bridge Ladies throughout her professional life. Dorothy began suffering from dementia, probably due to Alzheimer’s Disease, in the early 2000s. This is a disease with no cure, and a consistent downward spiral of memory loss from the onset. Different people experience a faster or slower spiral, but it does not get better. Dorothy remained physically healthy until the end, and maintained a happy demeanor with all those around her. Her family wishes to thank the staff at Manor Court of Carbondale, especially at Garden Court and Liberty Lane, for their consistent and loving care during the last years of her life. There will be no visitation. The family will gather for a private service later. Memorial donations may be made to: The Alzheimer’s Association. http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp

Dorothy Jean Olson Ericson

February 9, 1924 - December 22, 2016