Shirley Damon Olson, age 78, of Hiram, GA, formerly of Wallingford, CT, died on Monday, February 9, 2009. She was the wife of the late, Raymond K. Olson. Mrs. Olson was born, August 4, 1930, in Scituate, MA, daughter of the late, Prescott A. & Emma L. Damon and was also preceded in death by her sister, Merilyn Hatheway.
She was a graduate of Scituate High School, and had a B. A. from Mt. Holyoke College, an M. A. from the University of Connecticut, and a 6th Year in Administration and Supervision from So. Connecticut State University.
Mrs. Olson taught school in Agawam, MA, Scituate, MA and Wallingford, CT. For 10 years she served as Coordinator of Adult Education for the Wallingford Public Schools. Then she moved on to become principal of the schools in the New Haven, Bridgeport, and Cheshire Correctional Centers, Unified School District #1.
She served as the Director of Adult Education and School and
Community Programs for the Cheshire Public Schools from 1988 through to her retirement in 1997. Throughout her professional career, Mrs. Olson was the recipient of many awards and honors.
Mrs. Olson is survived by her son, Prescott D. Olson of Bonaire, GA; daughters & sons-in-law, Deborah & Jeremy Rosson of Littleton, MA, and Rebecca & Peter Goodison of Hiram, GA; daughters, Elizabeth Olson of Phoenix, AZ and Kristen Abrams of Hiram, GA; and seven grandchildren.
She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Wallingford. Gifts in her memory may be sent to Planned Parenthood,Dallas Food Bank, Arthritis Foundation, or American Civil Liberties Union.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2009, at 4:00 pm, from Clark Funeral Home, with Reverend Johnathan Woodward officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm.
Clark Funeral Home in Hiram, GA, is in charge of arrangements.
www.samclarkfuneralhome.com