Shirley Joan Olson

Shirley Joan (Mehaffy) Olson, 85, of Colorado Springs, went home to be with the Lord on July 1, 2025. Shirley was born on March 22, 1940, to John Myron Mehaffy and Mary Helen (Browning) Mehaffy in Austin, Minnesota. Growing up in Northwood, Iowa, she earned a bachelor’s degree in music/education at the University of Iowa. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Colorado and taught (and loved on) students in Widefield, Woodland Park, Fleming, and Greeley.  

Shirley lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, friendliness, and positivity. A woman of deep faith and great love, Shirley cherished the simple things in life. One of her great passions was music, teaching in public schools in both Iowa and Colorado for 30 years, playing the piano, singing and traveling the world with the Greeley Chorale, and leading countless church choirs. Shirley also adored the ocean, watching and listening to the waves and collecting SO many seashells. She loved her Irish heritage, often blaming leprechauns when things went missing… her Irish eyes were always smiling!

  But mostly, Shirley loved her family. She loved being with them, going on road trips, or just for drives around town. She loved simply spending time with them in conversation or watching a movie. And she never met a stranger. Once Shirley met someone, they became a member of her family, and she took extensive notes to remember everything she learned about them. She wrote many beautiful letters expressing her love.  

One of her favorite songs was “What a Wonderful World” performed by Louis Armstrong. The lyrics speak of trees of green, red roses, blue skies, white clouds, blessed days… and appreciating what a wonderful world God created for us to enjoy. Even when her mobility was limited, she listened for promptings from the Spirit and routinely reached out to those who might need to hear a friendly voice. She truly made the world a better, kinder, friendlier place.  

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents. Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Nate Olson (and Kris) and Shawn Olson, and daughter, Jenn (Gettman) Olson; her grandchildren Jackey Dwire (and Micah), Hannah Olson Daniels (and Josh), Cameron Gettman, and Sarah Peele (and Matt); her great-grandchildren Abby, Gabe, Jules, and Maddie Dwire; her brother, John (Roger) Mehaffy (and Roz) and sister, Sue Mehaffy (and Jeri); her many nieces and nephews and countless friends who became part of her family over the years. She will be greatly missed.  

The family will be gathering in September for a celebration of Shirley’s life.