Obituary of Marjorie Lou Olson

Marj Olson passed peacefully on Sunday August 2, 2009, occurring in the early morning hours while in the presence of family. She lived a life of love and will be remembered as a blessing and servant to those God placed in her life. Someone who’s smile brought encouragement and comfort. Her remaining family consists now of sons Don and Dwain; grandchildren James Olson and Heidi Anderson; great-grandchildren Christian (Olson), Presley Jane and Terry Douglas (Anderson). Preceding her in death was Jim, her husband from youth and Doug, their eldest son. Marj came into this world on January 14, 1935, born to parents Clarence and Katherine Olson on the family farm in Oberon North Dakota. In 1954 she was joined in Holy matrimony to James Olson with the ceremony occurring in the parlor of the house in which she was born. They set up home in Everdell N.D. where Jim operated the local Peavey Grain Elevator for a time. Their first son Douglas James was born just across the border in Breckenridge MN and soon after they transferred to Alice North Dakota where he continued with Peavey Elevator. Following the birth of their second son Don, they moved to Washington State, making their home in Lake City, near Seattle. It was here where a memorable feature of summer was that of having the noted Blue Angels practice their flight pattern exercises directly overhead. Shortly after the birth of their third child Dwain they moved to Auburn where they resided for the next 47 years. When the three boys were small, Marj began part-time office work at the White River Presbyterian Church, located directly behind their home. Once the boys got a little bigger she began working full-time for the Auburn School District as a Teacher’s Aid in Pioneer Elementary’s Gifted Program. A few years after this, she accepted the assistant librarian position at the then new Cascade Junior High and following this she participated in the STEP Program within Terminal Park Elementary again as a Teacher’s assistant. She completed her School District service at West-Auburn High School in 1995. Over the years she would often speak of the blessings she had received from helping students. It was a thrill for her to see a former student excel and to see God’s work in their life. Marj retired a few years after Jim and a few years before this they became snowbirds and began spending their winters in Yuma Arizona. They enjoyed crossing the border into Mexico, going to jam sessions and visiting friends and relatives. Once Marj retired they bought a home in New Rockford North Dakota, where they began spending their summers remodeling this home. They would make Auburn a once-a-year pit stop to see their family and friends. This would always be a very busy time for them. Jim passed in 2005 and at that time Dwain relocated to Arizona to assist his Mom and they kept the same traveling route until this year when illness overtook her. She is very loved and will be greatly missed! Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008