Barbara Jean Olson (née Cassidy) passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 87, with her four daughters and eldest granddaughter by her side. Jean’s gracious and caring demeanor, beautiful smile, entrepreneurial spirit, and genuine care for those around her will be dearly remembered.
Barbara Jean was the youngest child of Irene and Vincent Cassidy of Primghar, Iowa. Born on December 19, 1937, she grew up in an idyllic small town which allowed her to be very active. She played half-court, two-dribble basketball, tennis, golf, and was the band Majorette. She made friends easily, was a great student, and was adored by her older siblings and cousins. Barbara Jean’s accomplishments and character stood out in the small town and she was honored to be named Miss Primghar.
In 1956, Jean left Primghar for the Twin Cities to attend the all-girls College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN. While at St. Catherine, Jean met a handsome young man at a “mixer” with students from the neighboring all-boys College of St. Thomas. Gerald T. “Jerry” Olson was immediately enamored and even more impressed when she showed off her winter driving skills and rescued his car from being stuck in a deep snow bank.
Jean eventually transferred to Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, to pursue physical therapy. She graduated with a BS Physical Therapy in 1960.
Upon Jerry’s return from Air Force service in Germany, Jean and Jerry wed on June 17, 1961 in Minneapolis, MN at Church of the Incarnation followed by a legendary reception at the Ft. Snelling Officers’ Club.
As a young married couple, Jean and Jerry worked to build their life and their family in Minnesota. Jean worked as a Physical Therapist at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis and they soon welcomed daughters AnnMarie and Catherine Mary. In 1966, they moved to Homewood, IL, a Chicago suburb, to be closer to Jerry’s parents, where their daughters Patricia Jean and Maureen Therese were born. Jean was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and friend. She gracefully managed the demands of raising four young girls while staying active in the community. In 1971, a new job opportunity arose and the family of six moved south to Austin, TX.
Jean and Jerry dove into building a life and finding community in Austin. They became active members of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church and were a constant presence in the neighborhood, where they met lifelong friends. Jean could be found on the tennis courts and at the pool at Westover Hills Club or supporting their girls in every aspect of their young lives.
Jean was a trailblazer in Austin. After working many years as a Staff Physical Therapist, she took the brave leap to start her own clinic. In 1981, Jean opened Northwest Physical Therapy Center, becoming the first female Licensed Physical Therapist in private practice in Austin. For over 15 years, Jean and her team offered healing instruction and care to many Austinites. She was an icon and a role model for many professional women in Austin and within her field.
In 1996, Jean negotiated the successful sale of her clinic to HealthSouth Corporation. She continued as the Managing Partner of Twelve Oaks Joint Venture, (1990-2000), managing the business affairs of the medical real estate venture, which consisted of eight partners and twenty-five medical practices. Her kindness, peaceful demeanor, and savvy business acumen were hallmarks of her leadership.
Jean also offered her business insights to her daughters as the Comptroller/CFO for The Olson Group and the Comptroller/CFO for AnnMarie Olson, DDS, PA. She was and remains the inspiration behind the entrepreneurial spirit that lives in each of her daughters.
Jean was an inspiration and leader in her faith community. She was an alto in the St. Theresa Catholic Church Choir since almost the day the family arrived in Austin. Many friends from the past 50+ years have come from her choir, church community, and the neighborhood – true blessings in her life.
A notable philanthropist, Jean supported many causes that were important to her and her family members. Jean and Jerry were honored to be members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Jean and Jerry were lucky to be able to travel and explore exciting places together over the years. They visited many US States and numerous countries in Europe and Asia, as well as Australia. But one of their favorite retreats was to their lakehouse on Lake LBJ. Jean was also not afraid to branch out and travel on her own, completing a solo camping experience on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, ID in her 60s.
After Jerry’s unexpected death in 2002, Jean carried on as a strong, loving matriarch of the family. She was a dedicated and loving grandmother to her lucky six grandchildren. She was a regular and supportive fixture at basketball, volleyball, baseball, football, and kickball games, choir and theatre performances, swim meets, and charity events. She always had the biggest smile, encouraging words, and the most gracious heart.
Her constant companion, Rosie, the incredible Papillon, accompanied her all over town. Jean and Rosie moved to the community of Querencia and enjoyed making new friends and having fun with the other dog owners. Not surprisingly, she became the head of the Pet Committee. Jean began painting again, revisiting a talent from years ago. She enjoyed the friendships made in the Art Studio and even sold a few pieces of her artwork.
Jean did it all. She enjoyed a night at the symphony, ballet, theatre, and opera, a walleye sandwich, a ride on the boat, mornings on her coffee porch, taking Rosie for a walk, sitting on the dock swing at the lake, working on her latest painting, going on an adventure, visiting with her friends, cheering for her grandchildren, and singing in the choir.
Our family would like to express our gratitude to all of Jean’s friends throughout her life, from her early Austin days to her last few years at Querencia. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the care team at Querencia, with whom she formed a bond, especially the physical therapy team she lovingly called, “her people.” Thank you for being part of her life and loving her as much as we do.
Jean’s legacy lives on through her four daughters and three sons-in-law: Dr. AnnMarie Olson, Cathy Olson Muth and husband Brent, Patti Olson Rogers and husband Michael, Maureen Olson Staloch and husband Ted.
Her grandchildren called her Gogo and remain in awe of her grace, generosity, talent, smile, and love: Dr. Cassidy Kist, Ethan Rogers, Sawyer Staloch, Olivia Muth, Zoe Rogers, and Bo Staloch.
She is also survived by many adoring nieces and nephews throughout the Midwest and Colorado, as well as her cousin Sr. Jeanette Halbach of Chicago, IL.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Olson, her parents, Vincent and Irene Cassidy, brother Robert Joseph Cassidy and sister-in-law Georgia, of Aurora, CO; brother Fr. John Vincent Cassidy of LaCrosse, WI; sister Margaret Ann Sullivan and brother-in-law Paul of Dubuque, Iowa; cousin Jocelyn Halbach of Wisconsin; In-laws Wayne and Lucille Olson of Palos Heights, IL; and brother and sister-in-law Don and Mary Olson of Rolling Meadows, IL.
Visitation and Rosary services will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Dr, Austin, TX, on Sunday, March 9 at 6:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 4311 Small Drive, Austin, TX, on Monday, March 10 at 10:00am. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s name be sent to the charity of your choice.