Olga Pondel

MERCER, Wis. - Olga "Geri" "Yaya" Pondel, 86, of Mercer, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in her sleep Sunday, May 3, 2020 at Lake Shore Assisted Living.

Olga was born on March 7, 1935. She married Albert J. Pondel on May 6, 1967 in Chicago. He preceded her in death on Feb. 28, 2019. She was a hairdresser and business owner for over 55 years. She was the proud owner of Arlington Downtown Beauty Salon in Arlington Heights, Illinois for most of her career.

Olga loved being with people. She always wanted to know everyone's story and wanted them to feel loved. She always had a smile to share or a joke to tell. She enjoyed making Greek food, baking biscotti's, crocheting blankets and scarves and playing bingo with her dearest friends. Her greatest joy was being a mom and a Yaya. She was very proud of her 3 children, 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandsons.

Olga is survived by her son, John (Michelle) Pondel and their children, Michael, Megan, Nicholas and Christian; daughter, Christine (Michael) Barton and their children, Anna, Ava, Samantha, Savannah, Sarah, Joseph, Jake (Holly) Thrasher; great-grandsons, Brooks, Wesley and Crew; and son, Michael Pondel and his children, Ryan and Lauren.

Thank you to the entire staff at Lake Shore Assisted Living for their compassionate care given to our dear mother during the decline of her health these past few years. So blessed that she was in your loving care during these last months of not being able to be with her family.

Bolger Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family, visit bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.