Beth Jean (Olsen) Congreve

Beth J. (Olsen) Congreve
April 25, 1932 - September 25, 2021

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Beth Jean Olsen Congreve. Beth touched those she met with a radiant smile, sense of wit and caring attitude. Born into a family of performers, she was a talented musician with a beautiful voice who also played piano and oboe. Beth and Willard J Congreve united in marriage on June 6, 1950 in her home town of Fremont, NE. They settled in Chicago where she was a proud homemaker for her husband and two daughters. Together, they formed the Hammond Youth Choir which performed locally; Beth also performed in Script Teasers. Over the years Beth aided preschool teachers, helped with high school musicals and worked part time as a doctors and dental assistant. After her husband’s death, she cared for her parents back in Nebraska. Upon their passing, she relocated to Pennsylvania and volunteered with the Courtesy Staff at Ski Roundtop where she enthusiastically greeted skiers and manned the information desk on Sundays. Beth was well organized, a meticulous housekeeper and party planner, and an excellent cook. She was admired for both her penmanship and culinary talent. Baking Christmas cookies was an annual tradition shared with family and friends. She liked colorful clothes with matching shoes, and purse, too! Although medical issues in later years limited her physical capacity to function, she maintained a positive attitude, was happy to travel and enjoyed community dinner theater. Beth never lost her love or connection to her roots. She treasured the values of “The Good Life” in Nebraska and the Midwest, teaching us to be both a rock and a realist. Our lives have been enriched because of her; she will be forever loved and missed.

Beth died peacefully at home on September 25th in Etters, PA; she was 89. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard John Congreve; parents, Bertha Dolly (nee Poignee) Olsen and Walter Raleigh Olsen; son-in-law, Bernard Redlawsk; niece, Barbara Olsen; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou (nee Siemsen) Olsen. She is survived by many which include:

Older Brother: Robert (Bob) Olsen
Daughters: Judith Redlawsk and Linda Levin (& husband, Bob)

Grandchildren: Adina Levin, Evan Levin, Dave Redlawsk (& wife, Aletia Morgan), Mike Redlawsk, Nancy Hulsizer (& husband, Bob)

Great-Grandchildren: Andrew Redlawsk, Jamie Redlawsk, Greg Redlawsk, Cory Hulsizer (& wife, Grace Adams), Alexandra Redlawsk and Erin Redlawsk

A celebration of life to be held at the convenience of family. Memorial contributions may be made to the following organizations: Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children, 2415 N. Main St. Fremont, NE 68025 www.mehsc.org; Speranza Animal Rescue, 1216 Brandt Rd. Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 www.speranzarescue.org; Rosalyn Stewart Lab, Johns Hopkins Medicine, 750 E. Pratt St. - 17th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202 www.hopkinsmedicine.org.