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Maureen Olson Obituary
She moved to a Long Island suburb to raise her family, but Manhattan was the nexus of Maureen Olson's life.
"We met in 1979 on a blind date in New York," said her husband, John Eric Olson. At that time, "She lived on 65th Street and First Avenue. But in the 1960's and 1970's she lived up in the high East 90's.
"In the past year or so she had been looking around to move back to the city. I am sure we would have."
The professional part of that goal was already in place.
Three years ago, with son Christopher and daughter Maeve in high school, Mrs. Olson took a job as a business librarian in the World Trade Center offices of Marsh Inc., a risk and insurance subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan, commuting to Manhattan with her husband from Rockville Centre, N.Y.
Mrs. Olson, who was a month and a day shy of 51 on Sept. 11, graduated from Manhattan Marymount College. She loved Broadway. She and her husband ran in the New York City Marathon.
"We met in college," Marian Masone, a friend for roughly 30 years, said. "Her sister and my sister were two years ahead of us. We even dropped out of college the same day, in the middle of our junior year. Eventually, we both went back."
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Maureen
October 21, 2023
My name is Maureen. Recently in NY for daughters wedding. Visited 9-11 memorial, Wednesday, Oct. 11. Only flower was a white rose placed in crack next to Maureen Olson´s name and what do b you know, there I was, my name is also Maureen! She loves you and has watched over her kids and husband.
June 24, 2019
In loving and bittersweet memory of you...
September 11, 2018
May you rest in peace
Maurine Smith
July 7, 2017
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Anne Brady-McNally
October 11, 2016
Rene was in my class at Elizabeth Seton College. What I remember about her is that she was really smart and always smiling. I believe she lived in Lenoir,, which was a "mansion" dorm
My brother told me that she had perished on 9.11. She had a friendship with one of his friends from Fairfield University. A terrible loss. Condolences to all the family on this great tragedy, I think of her often.
June Heckman
September 11, 2016
You and your family are in my prayers.
I will always remember you !
September 9, 2016
Never had a chance to work with you, hear so many great things about you at RR. You are missed and never forgotten by many.
S J Friscia III
January 14, 2016
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Pamela Tarapchak
May 9, 2015
Today, I ran a 5K called Never Forget that honors first responders and those who lost their lives on 9/11. Each runner got a name of one of those lost. I selected Maureen's name out of a basket and pinned it over my heart. I'm a very faithful person and this run was very emotional for me. I found out Maureen ran marathons, and as I ran today I strongly believe she was running by my side supporting me. 9/11 seems so long ago, before I had two children. This run gave me a wake up that we just can't forget all those individuals who lost their lives nor their families who lost them. I will always have a connection to Maureen because for 46 minutes we went for run today.
RVC resident
January 15, 2015
I never met this lovely woman but read her bio and feel like I know her now. She sounded like an amazing person in all ways. May God bless her family, friends and all people whose life she touched. You are your family's guardian angel. Keep everyone safe and rest in peace with the Lord. Never forgotten
Paul St.Pierre
November 8, 2014
I am a funeral director.
I was in Manhattan for a meeting of other funeral directors, the Professional Funeral Directors International. Never being in NY for a meeting, or really anything else, I reached for the 9/11 memorial with no intentions.
After getting there, I did nothing but cry.
You see, I go in cemeteries every day. I must have somewhere starting taking the names on the tombstones for granted.
But no more. I read several names on the memorial. I videoed others. My new goal instantly was to research 10 names of those I read--and to remember them. And to not let them be forgotten.
I videoed the name Maureen Olson in September this year. I've researched her, and know that I really haven't known her.
But I remembered her. I read her bio. She was so important to many. I just wanted you to know that it isn't about the over 4,000 people that died that tragic day, but about each individual person. I'm so grateful I could learn about Maureen. I cry as I type to just express from the bottom of my heart, that I'm smiling remembering the best of her, and know that someone thought of her today. God bless all that had a chance to breathe a bit of her--even for just a little while.
May 31, 2013
Your mother and wife walks with you every day. Her love is evident in the lives you are leading.!
March 12, 2013
Rene and I were kids together. We were roommates in Brookline MA., just starting to find our way in the world, but Rene was always a lot more together than I was. She was working as a claim adjuster for an insurance company ( I don't remember which one) and I worked in another insurance company home office. What I remember from those years was how generous a friend Rene was. She would include anyone and everyone in her plans, introducing new friends to old, make fast friends of strangers always inclusive.
The whole Lyons clan was like that and we had wonderful rollicking times in Lynbrook on weekends and also when the folks would come up to visit us in Brookline on Lawrence Road. Later when Rene had moved to NYC we would take the train down to visit her in "the city" and spend 72 hours laughing non-stop. Then Rene fell in love and she and Eric married. I remember Rene's wedding especially when during the ceremony she got the giggles.
The years passed and having moved to the west coast, I didn't see Rene for a long time when a wedding on Long Island gave us an opportunity to see each other again. Christopher was about 5 and Maeve just a baby. We spent a few hours together and as typical of the Lyons family, they opened their home to me and the guy I was dating at the time. They, we're always gracious and welcoming.
That was the last time I saw Rene and we lost touch. I didn't ' know about the job at Marsh, if I had I might have been aware that we lost her on 9/11. As it was, I just found out.
The world is missing a wonderful person.
Anne Doyle
Barbara Davis
November 9, 2011
To Maureen's Family: I first met Rene at age 13 in high school. I remember her well although we did not become close friends nor had I had any contact with her since our S.H.A. Graduation in 1968. She was a funny, easy going, nice girl and well liked by all.
I watch for her name and picture every year on the t.v. memorial service. When it's a nice day, I think of her and appreciate the life I have and that she is missing. I pray for her often and am so sorry that you have lost her. She must have been a wonderful wife and mother. But I guess you know that.
Alice Rendon
September 14, 2011
I was at the San Francisco Giants game on 9-11-11.They handed out cards with the names of the victims on them.I got hers,and I wanted to look her up to see who she was and to know a little about the person on the card i was carrying.Thank you.She seemed to be a very loved person.I'm glad I looked her up.
Jessica
September 7, 2011
To Maureen's Family,
I still to this day feel such honor for being chosen to receive the Maureen Olson Memorial Award my senior year at South Side High School. To be compared to such a compassionate and loving woman who had impacted those around her so much is something I will bring with me for the rest of my life.
Thinking of you and your family on this anniversary.
Aracelis Rivera
September 11, 2009
I met Maureen in 1988 at the law firm Rivkin Radler & Kremer (at the time). I still work for them. Maureen was always a friendly sweet person. We always talked when she would pass the reception desk on the 10th floor. I was so sadden and shocked that she was in the WTC when the two planes crashed. I prayed that she got lost and disoriented somewhere in NYC still alive. I kept watching the news (hoping) she was found. My prayers to her husband and kids. I miss you very much Maureen. The firm keeps a Virgil every year on September 11th. I wish you never left our Firm.
God Bless you and your family always
Doug Abraham
October 12, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
January 21, 2007
In memory....
Kristine
October 30, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Ehab Ismail
September 12, 2006
I spent my summers as a college student working at Rivkin, Radler & Kremer, and worked directly with Maureen. She really was a lovely person who made every day at the office pleasant. I would like to extend my sympathies to the entire Olson family.
Jacque McGuire
September 23, 2002
I am Paul McGuire's daughter Jacque...my father was Rene's cousin..I can remember meeting her once when I was 8, but when I found out that she had died at the world trade center, someone I was related to, I was deeply saddened. I found out that her daughter was my age, and I couldn't image losing my mother. I am very sorry for your loss and your family is in my prayers.
May Olson
September 13, 2002
I briefly saw Maureen's daughter and sister early on the evening of Sept 11,2001 on TV searching for her. I dont know if the common last name is the reason, but for some reason I have since remembered the story of Maureen. I felt such empathy for the daughter..I know the husband was out of town and the kids were in shock and alone. Please , Please know that complete strangers are still thinking about you all and praying for you. I too lost my father prematurely..I wish I could tell you that things will be Ok..but honestly, things will be different forever... saying that, I hope for your family as much peace and love and happiness as possible under these terrible circumstances. Stay strong and live your lives the way your mother/wife would have been proud of.
Bless you and best of luck.
Pam Cesak
September 13, 2002
To Maureen'S Family: In San Diego on the anniversary of 9/11 we honored the victims by publicly reading their names and ringing a "liberty bell." The reading of all the victims names was broadcast on a local radio station, Star 100.7. I read Maureen's name and then wore a pin with her name over my heart all day. I was glad to be able to learn more about this lovely woman who I know is missed. Please know that we have not forgotten her.
peter
September 11, 2002
i didn't know you, rene, but i went to your memorial a long year ago because i work with your sister. looking at your life's objects, your yearbooks, faded family photos and race numbers i realized that you and i were somehow connected both runners, both from long island, both baby boomers. why god in his wisdom chose to call you back at this time is difficult to understand, but i pray someday i will. may the lord keep your soul in peace
Susan Long
September 11, 2002
I did not know Maureen but I now have her picture and brief bio. She was very close to my age. I went to my church, All Saints Pasadena, this morning to lift up prayers and reflect on the atrocities of 9/11/01. My church had baskets of bracelets with individual names of victims from 9/11 and I drew Maureen. My prayers are with Maureen's family and friends today. Please know I will be thinking of Maureen and her family all day and for a long time to come.
Blessings,
Marilyn Miglore
September 11, 2002
I never knew Maureen. I work at a High School District that gave out wristbands with victims names on them and information to the website to read their biography. I read Maureen's Guest Book and can clearly see that she was a loving, caring person. We are the same age. The wristbands we were given were passed out in the library of the school I work in. Maureen worked in a library. It gives me comfort to share this day with her. To her family and friends, God keep you in his prayers.
Lyn Wallace-Beck
September 10, 2002
Rene and I attended Sacred Heart Academy together; I have many fun-filled memories of those days. Rene was always on the go, moving effortlessly from group to group of clasmates, always ready for a laugh, an opportunity to sneak out and go to Jerry's for a coke, or a skirt rolled above the knees.
After high school Rene went to Marymount Manhattan, where I joined her after transferring. She and I got jobs running the elevators in the college. We would often have races to see who could make it up or down the fastest. There were the constant jokes as we spent endless hours waiting for "riders." Although I knew I should be working on the piles of schoolwork to be done, Rene was always ready to joke and talk adn attracted a crowd in the lobby; that was always more fun than the impending schoolwork.
I also remeber the night we closed the school after Kent State. Rene's commitment to her cause was heartfelt.
Then there was the cross country trip we took in January of our junior year. Four girls living on a shoestring out of Volkswagon bus for three weeks - and we still liked one another after that! Rene's humor made it all bearable.
As I sit here, almost a year later, I remeber the joy Rene brought to all around her, and hope that her family can find peace in the fact that she will long be lovingly remembered by her former friends and colleagues. As the nuns at SHA would say - God bless - Lyn
Kathleen Gillings
May 12, 2002
I believe I worked with Maureen at Rivkin, Radler & Kremer in Long Island. She was a wonderful person. Always a pleasure, professional, informative. I knew we lost someone special the day she left RR&K and went to the WTC to work but I had no idea. I am so sorry for your loss. No words can convey my sadness.
Angie Campbell
May 8, 2002
May God Bless you and keep you. Rest in peace ..........
March 19, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS LOVELY WOMAN...MAUREEN OLSON AND MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER HUSBAND AND CHILDREN...FAMILY AND FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE NEW YORK MAUREEN LOVED..MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Monica Kennedy
January 16, 2002
I never met Maureen, but her sister and my friend and fellow churchgoer, Susan, started a book club in her honor, because "Rene" was a librarian. Now I have read some beautiful books and met some beautiful people through this experience, and I have often thought to myself that this is a gift I got from Maureen and through the window of her death, so there is sorrow. Sue is sure that Maureen would be pleased by the formation of a book club, and I can tell that their family strives to find meaning in living and sharing. We at Sue's church, The Catholic Community at Relay, MD, pray for Maureen and her family, her two children and husband, constantly, and I hope they know they can call on us for support.
Lee Buckley
January 13, 2002
I met Rene when we were both studying at Marymount Manhattan College,returning students. She had endless energy and enthusiasm and a million interests. She invited me to join a reading group of other women. I often remember that one of our monthly meetings was a lunch one cold Sunday in Demember, the day of John Lennon's memorial service in Central Park. We observed the 10 minutes of silence as we watched the service on TV, tears streaming down all our faces. Now 20 years later here I am at the computer crying one more time, for her. I'd rather remember how happy she was when she married John Eric. We lost touch with each other over the years, but I never stopped thinking of her. By what I read in her portrait here, it seems she got to do just what she had wanted. That's consolation.
Patrick and Faith Martin
January 10, 2002
To the Olson and Lyons Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you always and we grieve for the loss of Maureen.
Teresa Jahn
December 17, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Maureen. May her life and love live on in her family. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Judith Rogers
October 20, 2001
Rene, you are always in my thoughts.You are now our angel. I will remember you always and carry your goodness in my heart. Thank you for your friendship.
JUDITHSR
Dean,Brenda,and Justus Wegge
October 11, 2001
You, and your family are in our prayers. God Bless YOU all.
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