Hilary Jane Gerlin Olsen of Natick MA died November 10, 2018 from metastasized breast cancer. She was 57 years old, and in September had celebrated her 30th wedding anniversary with her husband Jeff. Hilary and Jeff raised their three children, Sam, Tom, and Ellie, in Natick, where they have been involved members of the community for 27 years.
Born in New York City, Hilary spent two years in London before moving to Wilton CT, where she was raised, graduating from Wilton High School in 1979. Hilary finished her college degree while undergoing cancer treatment, graduating from Framingham State University at the age of 51. She is survived by her parents Robert and Juliet Gerlin of Cornwall VT; her three siblings Simon, Amelia, and Rebecca; Jeff's mother Anne Olsen and his siblings Chris and Kate, and a large extended family. Hilary's absence will be felt not only by her family, but also by many friends from the different chapters of her life.
Hilary had an unusual ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and will be remembered for her vibrant personality and generosity of spirit. She spent countless hours volunteering for a variety of social and educational causes, and was a most dedicated and loving aunt to her 13 nieces and nephews. An avid Red Sox fan, Hilary and her family were at the first game of this year's World Series.
A prolific crafter, gardener, reader, and crossword puzzle expert, Hilary also loved to travel and was pleased to be able to raise her children to be even more adventurous. Hilary's family was the center of her life, and while her absence is felt acutely, her infectious, vibrant spirit is alive in all who knew her.
For the last 12 years, the Olsen’s have been riders in the Pan Mass Challenge, raising tens of thousands of dollars for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Members of Team Kermit, Ellie and Jeff have ridden a tandem bicycle for the last three years, completing the ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown in honor of Hilary. The Olsen’s would like to thank the doctors and teams at Dana Farber for the tireless and encouraging treatment they provided and suggest that, in lieu of flowers, donations in Hilary’s memory should be made to DFCI.
Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018 from 2:00 P.M.- 5:00 P.M. at John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, at Natick Common. Funeral Service on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 at 3 PM at the UUAC, 11 Washington Street, Sherborn, MA.