In Passing – July 2026

Marc Owen Olson

Marc Owen Olson, 69, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on March 29, 1957, Marc lived life with enthusiasm, generosity, and a deep love for his family. He spent many years working in agriculture, building a career grounded in dedication and hard work.

Marc embraced an active life and loved spending time with friends and family, traveling, fast cars, time on the golf course and the ski slopes. He had a natural charisma that drew people in and a warmth that made them feel special. Whether sharing a laugh, telling a story, or simply enjoying the company of those around him, Marc had a gift for making connections and creating lasting memories.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sherry; his sons, Barrett (Rianna) Olson and Kyle (Rachael) Olson; and his treasured grandchildren, Everly, Remy, and Croix, who lovingly knew him as “Pops.”

Marc’s legacy lives on through the love he gave, the relationships he built, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness and spirit. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Marc was well known for his saying, “Live Life,” something that he embodied in every sense.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared when available.

Jerome Briner

The Briner family says goodbye to our beloved Jerome. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 11, 2026.

Early Life, Faith, and Service

Jerome arrived in this world 85 years ago in Indianapolis, Ind., born to Helen and Roy Briner on Nov. 23, 1940. Raised in a vibrant, devout Catholic household alongside his three brothers and one sister, Jerome anchored his faith in everything he did. After graduating from Hamilton Catholic High School, he proudly joined the U.S. Air Force, where he forged lifelong friendships and discovered the discipline to follow his dreams. He went on to graduate from The Ohio State University with a degree in accounting.

Love and Family

In 1966, while working at Ernst & Ernst in Columbus, Ohio, Jerome married the love of his life, Rita Smith. The two had fallen in love among the Buckeye trees of OSU’s beautiful campus. Jerome and Rita shared a deep faith in God, a love of knowledge, and a passion for adventure—values they passed on to their two children, Ben and Meg. In the 1980s, the young family moved to Arizona, which became their long-term home.

Professional Excellence

Jerome’s passion for accounting and tax law led to a distinguished career, culminating in his role as a Partner at Ernst & Young LLC. He believed in sharing his knowledge with anyone seeking answers. For years, on the evening of April 14, the day before Tax Day, Jerome could be found on the local PBS station, calmly and informatively answering last-minute tax questions for stressed callers. An active member of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA, formerly the National Association of Accountants), he was deeply honored to be inducted into the prestigious Stuart Cameron McLeod Society.

Community, Youth, and Ministry

Outside of work, Jerome filled his life with scouting, fishing, golfing, and travel. Scouting was a lifelong passion; after participating as a youth, he stepped into adult leadership roles at both the local Den and regional Council levels. In Goodyear, Ariz., he was incredibly proud to help form the local Cub Scout Pack at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

His devotion to his church community never wavered. Throughout his life, regardless of the parish he belonged to, Jerome was deeply involved in local ministries. He frequently served his congregations as a Lector in the Ministry of the Word, dedicated his leadership skills to the Pastoral Committee, and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

A Life of Adventure

Adventure and travel went hand-in-hand for Jerome. He constantly sought opportunities to learn about history, art, and new cultures, never missing a chance to visit friends and family along the way. After retiring, Jerome and Rita fulfilled their ultimate travel dreams, exploring every corner of the globe together and visiting all seven continents, including Antarctica.

Jerome leaves behind a legacy of faith, intellect, adventure, and deep devotion to his family, including his wife, Rita; his two children: Ben (wife Jodi), grandchildren Haley and Nolan; and Meg (husband Chris), granddaughters Kate and Lexi. He will be profoundly missed.

Geraldine C. (Cooksey) Greaves

Geraldine C. (Cooksey) Greaves of Goodyear, Ariz., (formerly from Framingham and Ashland), passed away on May 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Mt. Vernon, Ill., on Jan. 6, 1943, to the late Charles Cooksey and Linnie Smith. Beloved wife of Charles Greaves. Devoted mother of William Joiner Ill and his wife Sandra of Natick, Janet Joiner of Washington, D.C. Loving grandmother of Benjamin and Alyssa Joiner, Olivia S Joiner, and Quincy Logan.

Born in Mt. Vernon, Ill., Gerry was the third of six children born to Linnie Smith. Having graduated from Mt. Vernon HS (’60s) she began her education at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) where she met her first husband, William Joiner, with whom she had two children, Janet and William Ill. Gerry began her nursing career in Southington, CT. While her husband completed his degree work at SIU, she worked at (now) Deaconess Union Hospital in Anna, Ill. Following a move to Massachusetts in 1971, Gerry began working at Framingham Union Hospital. Upon completion of her master’s degree from Northeastern University, she continued her nursing career in supervisory roles at Roger Williams Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Franciscan Children’s Hospital before taking her last job at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz.

Her accomplished career included the following professional credentials in nursing, her Registered Nurse licensing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts and Science, and Certificate of Perioperative Nursing with a specialty in surgical/operating room nursing.

With the passing of her husband, William Joiner, in 1981, she met and later married Charles (Chuck) Greaves in 1989. When work allowed and especially when she retired in 2008, she traveled, shopped, traveled, and shopped some more. There was nothing she looked forward to more than finding a good deal. She loved her blended family; her own two children, plus Chuck’s two daughters, Sheila and Elaina, which gave her nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In Arizona Gerry joined several clubs. She was most active in Just Folks of PebbleCreek and Sisters Of The Valley, social networking groups of African American descent. Members of these clubs would become some of her lifelong friends who loved and supported her throughout her journey. One of Gerry’s newest passions was “Gems by GG,” her jewelry business.