Barbara L. Olsen

Barbara L. “Barb” (Doty) Olsen, 66, passed away on Monday, March 21, 2022 with her daughters by her side.

She was born June 12, 1955 in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Robert L. and Mary J. (Lietz) Doty. She was a graduate of Pecatonica High School and Northern Illinois University (bachelors and masters). She worked as an English teacher at Boylan Catholic High School for 21 years before retiring in June 2021. She helped countless students in her time there and through her tutoring at Rockford University and Spring Creek Elementary. She truly enjoyed traveling, baking, listening to the Cubs, and spending time with her family. She especially loved making visits to Chicago and Manteno to see her daughters and her beloved grandson, and she enjoyed hosting Theo at her home in Rockford as often as possible.

Survivors include her daughters, Jess Olsen of Chicago, IL and Erika (Cam) Ohlendorf of Manteno, IL; her grandson, Theo Ohlendorf; her mother, Mary J. Doty of Rockford, IL; her five siblings: Mary Kay Doty; Steve (Tina) Doty; Mitzi (Dwayne) Williams; Joe (Susan) Doty; and Jane (Kevin) Stivers; many nieces and nephews; numerous cousins and family members; and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Doty.


“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”

A visitation will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Rockford, IL from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 29 with the rosary to be recited at 7:45 p.m. A memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 30, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave. Rockford, IL. Cremation rites will be accorded. The family kindly asks that all guests please wear a mask.

Memorial tributes can be made to Illinois Wesleyan University (Women’s Council or School of Nursing), Chicago Canine Rescue, or the Poor Clares of Rockford. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com