Mary Margaret Olson

December 4, 1940 - December 30, 2025

Mary passed peacefully on December 30th at the age of 85 after a beautiful life. She spent her last days surrounded by family, enjoying Christmas with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary was born on December 4th, 1940 in Eau Claire, WI to Filomena (Florence, "May") and Anthony ("Bo") Difanis. She was the youngest of five sisters, Jean, Pat, Betty, Karen, and Mary. Mary's childhood was spent along the banks of the Chippewa River on Silvermine Drive outside of Eau Claire, moving between the house her father built and her grandparent's (Girolamo) Farm, at the end of the same country road.

Mary graduated from Regis High School in 1957. In 1961 she married David Olson in Eau Claire. Soon after they moved to Seattle, WA for four years before returning to Wisconsin to make Oshkosh home.

Mary retired from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh after many decades of service to the University, including serving as Administrative Assistant to two University Presidents. She valued hard work and cherished the many wonderful friends and colleagues at the University. It was a cornerstone of her life in the community.

Mary's legacy is one of giving to the people and community who meant so much to her. Her many years of volunteering and leadership in the community included The Oshkosh Public Library, Oshkosh Schools including serving on the School Board, The Oshkosh Area Community Pantry of which she was a founding member, The League of Women Voters, The Oshkosh Foundation, United Way and others. It was in these activities Mary found so many like-minded contributors who became close friends over the years.

Mary was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Nothing pleased her more than being around the children in her life. She carried the "Grandma" role proudly. She was always quick to learn their interest and engage with them. She loved it all, reading with them, sports events, music, traveling, talking school, whatever their interests, they became Grandma Mary's interests.

A dedicated runner for decades, Mary could be seen running her five miles around Oshkosh early mornings before work. She loved that time of day and the peace and serenity of seeing the town at its quietest, enjoying the many waterways, paths and parks. Mary continued her commitment to health and fitness through the rest of her life walking and exercising outdoors and at the gym.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband (David), sister (Pat Gomez) , Mother (May) and Father (Anthony). Mary is survived by sisters Betty Phillips, Jean Holstrum, and Karen Burkhart. Children Matt, Sarah Neal and Ben (Jane). Grandchildren Kate Olson, Abigail Olson, David Olson (Maria), Daniel Olson, Hank Neal, and Mary Neal. Two great grandchildren Dawson and Monroe Olson, as well as many family members who count her as aunt, cousin and friend..

Memorial services will be held 11 Am Friday January 30, 2026 at St Raphael's The Archangel Catholic Church830 S West Haven Dr., Oshkosh, WI. with a gathering of family and friends starting at 10 Am at church. In lieu of flowers the family asks to consider a donation to The American Cancer Society or Oshkosh Area Community Pantry.

Family and friends of Mary extend their deepest gratitude to the wonderful caregivers at Arbors of Ridges in Burnsville, Minnesota and Minnesota Hospice. Their care and compassion for Mary meant everything to Mary and all those who love her.

White fUneral Home- Lakeville 952-469-2723.

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com