Sharon Olson, widow of Covenant pastor Dennis Olson, passed away in Stockton, California, on January 9, 2024. She was 84.
Sharon Stingley was born on September 4, 1939, after her German grandparents crossed the Atlantic seeking a better life in Oklahoma City. Shortly afterward, Sharon’s mother, a Jonathan Logan fashion model, moved to Hollywood, California. Sharon would eventually grow up among the stars and became childhood friends with Maureen Reagan and other celebrity children who lived nearby. One of her favorite games was playing “Ding Dong Ditch” at Shirley Temple’s house a few doors down. She and little Maureen would giggle with delight hiding in the bushes as the butler answered the door to find no one there.
As a child, Sharon attended Hollywood Presbyterian Church with her Aunt Eileen and noted Christian educator Henrietta Meers. After graduating from Hollywood High, Sharon enrolled in LA City College to pursue a nursing career.
As a first-year intern, Sharon was wheeling a patient into radiology when she was greeted by a dashing x-ray tech, Dennis Olson. Immediately, sparks flew., and they fell in love. They married on January 15, 1959, and started their family, which eventually included five children.
Dennis finished his theological training and was ordained by another body. He transferred his ordination to the Evangelical Covenant Church in 1979. He and Sharon pastored several California churches together, including congregations in Wilmington, Torrance, Stockton, Yucaipa, and Arnold. As Sharon became an empty nester, she worked with Campus Crusade for Christ under Bill Bright.
Sharon was a devoted mother to her five children and enjoyed many creative passions, including music, painting, sewing, crafting, gardening, and riding her bike. She loved traveling and visiting family in Hawaii. “Omi,” as she was called, cherished the customs of her German roots and passed them on to her family. She played the violin, cello, ukulele, and guitar. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her family.
After her husband, Dennis, passed away in 2021, Sharon joined the Lincoln Presbyterian Church of Stockton, and became an active member, forging many new friendships and opportunities.
She is survived by her five children, Michael (Eilene), Kathy (Debi), David (Denise), Stephen (Francine), and Erik (Michelle); 15 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 11:00 am, at Lincoln Presbyterian Church in Stockton, California.
Peace be to her memory.
