Maria Josephine Olson, 79, of Westchester, IL and 45 year resident of Western Springs.  A winter resident of Nettles Island.  Beloved wife of Kenneth A., Jr.  Loving mother of Kenneth V. (Collette), Karen (Warren) Wolfe and Kristopher (Theresa).  Devoted grandmother of Sophie and Julianne Olson, Abigail and Christopher Wolfe, and Mia Olson.  Dear sister of Vito (Sharon) and the late Angelo Amoruso.  Fond aunt and cousin of many. Celebration of Life Visitation 3 to 8pm Thursday, Jan. 28 at St. John of the Cross Parish Center, 51st St. & Wolf Rd., Western Springs.  Celebration of Life Service 11:15am Saturday, Jan. 30 at St. John of the Cross Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions
to The American Cancer Society appreciated. After graduating from Austin High School in Chicago and the University of Illinois, Maria was a lifelong educator, teaching first at Crane High School, then at Lyons Township High School, and at College of DuPage in the Older Adult Institute.  She was a Girl Scout Leader and a Docent for the Chicago Architecture Foundation.  Maria was a member of the Red Hat Society, and a former member of the Western Springs Service Club Board.  She was an avid Cubs and Blackhawks fan, and she enjoyed playing volleyball.  Maria enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren’s sports and activities, and spending time with her friends, many cousins, nieces and nephews. She loved sewing, cooking, camping, gardening, traveling, and taking her children and grandchildren on adventures around Chicagoland and across the country.  She was a friend to everyone she met.  Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708/352-6500 or www.hjfunerals.com