Kysa Olson

MADISON - Kysa Marie Olson, age 58, died on Monday, July 22, 2013 at Agrace HospiceCare in Madison after a courageous struggle with renal cell carcinoma. She was born on June 24, 1955 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison to Harold "Howdy" Olson and Lorna Olson (nee Endres). Kysa was a life-long resident of Madison. She attended Longfellow School, St. James School, Blessed Sacrament School, Edgewood High School, and Madison Area Technical College. Kysa is an esteemed member of the last graduating class of the Madison General Hospital School of Nursing (1982).

While dedicating her life to the nursing profession at St. Mary's Hospital for more than three decades, Kysa enriched the lives of countless patients: children and adults alike. She began as a 'candy striper', before advancing to LPN and RN status. Kysa's career in healthcare included holding positions at Stein Medical, the Dean Clinic, and Home Health United. Most recently Kysa was a member of the Patient and Family Services team at St. Mary's.

Beyond her work, her passions included family, cooking, reading and knitting. She enjoyed her many friendships and shared smiles and laughter with her dear friends throughout her life. Kysa also loved her dog "Mia" and her four alpacas ("Jackson", "Juneau", "Langlade", "Oconto").

Kysa was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, her father "Howdy" in 1999, and her brother James in 2010. She is survived by her mother Lorna, sister-in-law Cheryl of Fond du Lac, WI, and siblings David (Linda) of Sheboygan, WI, Eric (MaryBeth) of Mulino, OR, Laura (Gary), Karl (Gail) and Charles (Ann), all of Madison.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 29, 2013 at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2115 Rowley Avenue, Madison, with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kysa's memory to: Agrace HospiceCare; the UW American Family Children's Hospital; and the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

The Olson family wishes to thank the dedicated staff of Dean Health, St. Mary's and Meriter Hospitals, St. Mary's Care Center, and Agrace HospiceCare. Our deepest gratitude is extended to Kysa's home caregiver, LeighAnn, whose exceptional care, compassion, and kindness provided Kysa great comfort and a special friendship.

"Kys" was a caring and loving sister, who always gave selflessly and tirelessly to her family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who were touched by her engaging and unique spirit.