Dr. Margaret P. Olson

1942 - 2011

Olson, Dr. Margaret P.

Dr. Margaret P. Olson, 68, of Hartsdale died of complications from pancreatic cancer on April 15th at White Plains Hospital. Born in Westfield, MA on Sept 24, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Matthew and Edna Frost Pitoniak.

She received a B.A. in history and M.A. in American history from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She earned a PhD in American history and African American history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Olson held the positions of Assistant Dean of Special Programs, Marist College; Vice President for Policy and Planning at 70001, Ltd., Newark, DE; Associate Dean, then Dean at SUNY/Empire State College, Hudson Valley Regional Center; and Director of Special Student Services and Director of Grants at Westchester Community College. For the past 12 years, Dr. Olson has been an independent consultant using her expertise to assist not-for-profit corporations, school districts, local governments, local youth bureaus and community-based organizations. Her most recent focus has been assistance related to New York State 21st Century Community Learning Centers after school programs.

Throughout her career, Dr. Olson's heart remained in the college classroom. She has had an indelible impact on students across the state, both those who knew her in the classroom and those who never met her but benefitted from her intense commitment to increase opportunities and broaden possibilities for so many who, at times, believe there are none.

Margaret was an avid sports fan, jazz connoisseur and lover of Italian food. Her devotion to the North Carolina Tarheels is legendary as is her fanaticism for the Boston Red Sox. Though she was an Oakland Raiders fan, she could be found cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers with her daughter. She established an annual pilgrimage with friends and family to the Saratoga Jazz Festival and her delight in a good Italian meal was quickly known by anyone who met her.

She is survived by her daughter Amanda Santos-Olson, son-in-law Victor Santos Zavala, and grandsons Sebastian, Xavier and Benjamin. Additionally, she is survived by a brother, an aunt, cousins, a niece and nephew.

Please send donations in her honor to an educational or social justice organization of your choice. A memorial celebration of her life will be held in late spring or early summer.