Mary Rose Olson

Mary Rose (Booth) Olson passed away on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025, at Alex Assisted Living in Alexandria, MN, at the age of 94. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 18th, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria, MN, with Recitation of the Rosary at 10:15 AM. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM at the church.

Mary Rose Olson was born on July 1, 1931, in Southport, England to Edward and Alice Booth. During her formative years, she experienced firsthand the impact of World War II, as her parents opened their home to children from London who were at risk due to bombings. This early exposure to community and care would shape her passion for volunteering later in life.

Mary made a significant transition, immigrating to Chicago, IL, with her first husband, Bill Peacock. Together, they welcomed two children into their lives: a daughter, Linda, and a son, Michael. Tragically, the family faced the sorrow of losing Bill prematurely. In Chicago, Mary worked as a hostess at the Pick-Congress Hotel, where she met her second husband, Frank Olson. Their union on June 14, 1969, marked the beginning of a loving partnership that lasted 29 years until Frank's passing on November 19, 1998.

In 1985, Frank and Mary made their home in Alexandria, MN. Mary was an active member of her community, dedicating her time participating in the United Way food drop and the Douglas County Food Shelf. She had a philanthropic heart, spending countless hours volunteering at Bethany Senior Apartments, where she walked with her the fruit cart or served coffee at the coffee shop, while visiting the residents with warmth and kindness. Also, she was a cherished member of Daughters of Isabella, where she found joy in giving back to those around her.

Her love for the outdoors was mirrored in her passion for fishing alongside Frank and his sister, Eva Lee, and other dear friends. Her family memories were enriched by holidays spent with Frank's niece, Lois Krump, and his nephews, Bumper Lee and Roger Lee, along with many great-nieces and nephews.

Traveling was another passion for Mary. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she explored various regions in Europe with her sisters Sylvia and Jean, visiting places including Norway, Spain, France, and Great Britain. Gardening and planting perennial flowers brought her immense joy, as did her affection for animals—especially dogs. Her generosity extended to feeding birds and helping animals in need, illustrating her kind-hearted nature. Mary’s love for shopping can’t be forgotten; she was an avid local shopper and socializer who was well known by the staff at her favorite local shops.

Mary Rose Olson leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, love, and cherished connections that will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Mary Rose Olson passed away on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025, at Alex Assisted Living in Alexandria, MN, at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Bill Peacock, husband, Frank Olson; children, Linda and Michael Peacock; and her sister, Sylvia. She is survived by her loving sister, Jean; step-daughters, Alicia Beres and Kathy Olson; step-granddaughter, Diana; daughter-in-law, Marilyn; sister-in-law, Helen Hamby; best friend, Diane McCall; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, neighbors and friends who will forever cherish their memories of the lovely, giving, sweet spirit of Mary Rose.