Barbra Williamson

Barbra Ann Williamson (Olson/Covert) was born to Richard and Betty (Wiberg) Covert in Chicago, Illinois on March 5, 1957. She spent her childhood days with her four loving and adventurous siblings, Bonnie, Rick, Ron, and Becky. They all remained a close support system for one another throughout their adult lives and shared many great experiences.

Barb graduated from James Madison Memorial High School in 1975. At age 19, Barb married Knute S. Olson of Oregon, Wisconsin. They both worked hard, enjoyed nature, camping, music, travel and their two daughters, Angie and Emily. In 1993 they parted ways, but always made their children a priority.

It was at this time when Barb began her full-time work at UPS. Throughout her career, Barb built many strong and lasting friendships. She was loved and respected for her strong work ethic, willingness to help anyone and for her beautiful smile and positive energy. Barb was interviewed while on the job in 2012 and was quoted in the Middleton Times Tribune as saying, “I love the people, they are my favorite part of the job.”

In November of 2019, Barb enjoyed a fabulous retirement party, celebrating her 35-year career with UPS. The party was attended by proud co-workers, friends, and family. “Barbie doll” was loved, admired, and celebrated by all.

Barb’s work ethic was exceptional, but she also knew how to have a great time. She loved a good football game, a cold beer, and an over the top tailgate. Each year, Barb attended a few Green Bay Packer games and loved sharing this event with some of her favorite people.

Barb enjoyed all the best things in life. She had a true passion and talent for gardening and enjoyed sharing that gift with others. She loved songbirds, nature hikes, road trips, the ocean, camping, skiing and had a lifelong love for horses. Barb’s children and grandchildren have shared in these same passions. They absorbed it all and simply adored her. She was affectionately known by Veda, Isla, Iris and Tristan as "Oma.” She took the time to really get to know them as individuals and joined them wholeheartedly, in anything they were interested in. Oma celebrated their uniqueness and they always felt special in her presence.

Every visit to our mother’s house was a wonderful one. We all enjoyed the delicious food, loving energy, good laughs, and cozy sleepovers. Walks to the ice cream shoppe, visits to the lake near her house, and simply talking with her were highlights.  We are very thankful to carry this unconditional love and connection with us forever. As her daughters, we couldn’t have asked for a more loving, supportive, capable, creative, and thoughtful mother. She was simply the best.

Very recently, Barb hosted a gorgeous Christmas at her home for her children and grandchildren. The house was filled with Scandinavian decorations and very thoughtful gifts for all. It was truly wonderful, and we will forever cherish this memory.

Barb’s passing went quickly, and we are still struggling to process it. After handling some covid challenges the best she could at home, we learned that her past melanoma had returned and become metastatic.  A few short weeks later, on February 1st, Barb passed on to heaven, with loving family by her side.

Barb was a very spiritual person. She had a close relationship with Jesus her whole life, and for the past 20 years, was an involved and committed member of Blackhawk church. Her faith brought her hope, peace, and an abundance of love. She was truly a light to all that knew her. We have no doubt she is now embracing all that heaven has to offer.

Barb is survived by her parents, Richard and Betty (Wiberg) Covert, her siblings, Bonnie (Stu) Lorenz, Rick (Ann) Covert, Ron (Renee) Covert, Becky (David) Lee, her children, Angie (Kevin) Olson/Otte, Emily (Scott) Gear, her four adoring grandchildren Veda/ Isla Gear and Iris/Tristan Otte and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. We are all better because of her and will hold her love, light and humor in our hearts forever.

A service will be held at the Cress Funeral Home at 6021 University Avenue, Middleton, Wisconsin, on Saturday, February 19th. Visitation will take place from 2 -4 pm, with a memorial service to follow. To register for the live-streaming, please use this link: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony/?c=6dcf8987-cda8-4d84-b1af-eaaf114d6cf9

If you would like to send flowers, please request that they arrive by 10am on Saturday. As another option, donating blood or platelets in Barb’s memory would be much appreciated. The generous blood donations of others gave Barb additional precious weeks at the end of her life and with your help, we would love to repay that gift.

This will be a masked event. If you prefer, register for the virtual option at the link above.