Brenda S. Olin

Brenda S. Olin, 82, of Brodhead Wisconsin, passed away on March 22, 2026 at UW Hospital following a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on August 9,1943 in Rocky Mount North Carolina to Joseph and Melba Strickland. Brenda carried the warmth and spirit of her Southern roots with her throughout her life. She grew up with a deep love of family, the Outer Banks and the simple pleasures of North Carolina cooking, her favorites were eastern NC BBQ and hush puppies that she declared could not be made quite right in Wisconsin no matter how many time the family tried to replicate them. Brenda attended Meredith College Raleigh NC where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1965 – a degree the would go on to shape the lives of children for decades to come. On July 15, 1967 she married the love of her life, Donald B. Olin. The couple made their first home together in Franklin Park, Illinois before eventually settling in Don’s hometown of Brodhead Wisconsin. Brenda made her home in Brodhead, Wisconsin where she lived a life defined by love, learning and an extraordinary devotion to the natural world. For 23 years, she shaped young minds as a first grade teacher at Juda Schools. Her warmth, patience and passion left a lasting impression on countless children and families. To many, she was simply known as the “Butterfly Lady” a title she earned and treasured through her dedicated work raising and education others about the magnificent Monarch butterfly. Her classroom was not just a place to learn to read and write; it was a place of acceptance and wonder. She ended each day asking every student if they needed a hug or a handshake, always seeing them and accepting them just as they were. Beyond the classroom, Brenda’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished time with her daughters, her grandchildren and her beloved little dogs who were constant companions and a source of endless delight. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate doctors and nurses at Monroe SSM Health and UW Hospital Madison for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Brenda and her family during this difficult time. Brenda was preceded in death by her husband Don Olin, her brothers Bobby Strickland, Joseph H Strickland Jr and sister Sylvia Strickland. Brenda is survived by her daughters Kristin Olmedo (Carlos) of Brodhead and Lori Rockwell (Randy) of Ontario and her beloved grandchildren Robbie and Vanessa. Brenda Olin leaves behind a legacy as rich and graceful as the butterflies she so lovingly tended – a woman who understood that the most important things in life are the ones that grow when you give them care. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and fondly remembered every time a Monarch drifts by on a summer breeze. Visitation for Brenda will be held at the UCC Church in Brodhead, WI on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 6-8PM. Memorial Services will be held on the following day at the UCC Church as well, Saturday, April 11, 2026 with a small visitation before starting at 10-11AM with services starting immediately after.

Brenda S. Olin

August 9, 1943 - March 22, 2026