Annette W. Olson died on June 21, 2026, at the age of 85, surrounded by family at home.
Annette Louise Widman was born in Chicago, IL on April 25, 1941. Her parents, Melvin and Dorothy, were professional musicians and clever wordsmiths who passed on to Annette a lifelong love of music, language, and learning. Annette was an avid reader and writer; she grew up with her nose in a book, and later, her gifts for language and writing kept her employed as what she affectionately called "a professional temp.” Annette was always curious, eager to learn and embrace the changing world.
Annette met Myron Olson during her senior year at North Park College, and they married in 1962. Myron's ministry brought them to Chicago, Milwaukee, and Advent Lutheran Church in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, where they lived for 27 years and raised their two children, Peter and Amanda. Annette relished being a mother and pastor's wife, bringing her own spin to both.
A gifted pianist and singer, Annette found fulfillment as an accompanist, church musician, and as a soprano in the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus for 24 seasons—the crowning achievement of her professional life. Paralysis of a vocal cord eventually prohibited her from singing, but she continuously found new ways to express herself creatively through music, acting, and as a dedicated docent at Ten Chimneys House Museum, where she could combine her loves of storytelling and the arts—and show off her ever-growing collection of hats and scarves.
In retirement, Myron and Annette moved to Wauwatosa in 1999 to be near Amanda and her growing family. Time spent with her children and grandchildren was seminal to Annette’s happiness, and she delighted in being a deeply involved and doting grandmother, loving her role as "Naymie." They became active members of St Matthew’s Lutheran Church, and Annette continued to find ways to make music and serve as a lay assistant, important pieces of her identity and spiritual life.
After overcoming throat cancer in 2019, Annette fought esophageal cancer in late 2025 and received an additional cancer diagnosis in May 2026. She met these challenges with the same grace and strength that characterized her life.
Annette is survived by her husband of 63 years, Myron; her children Peter Olson (Megan) and Amanda Robison (Bill); grandchildren Jonah (Meredith) and Ellen, Emily (Drew) and Tyler; her brother, Donald; several dear cousins; and many cherished friends.
A service celebrating Annette’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on August 29, 2026, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1615 N. Wauwatosa Ave. in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Memorial donations may be made in Annette's memory to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church or the Medical College of WI Cancer Center.
