Mrs. Mary Ann "Herrin" Olson

Mary Ann Olson, 80, of Knoxville, Illinois, died at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Seminary Manor, after a short illness.

She was born December 29, 1945, in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Irv and Mary (Stablein) Herrin. She married James C. Olson on February 11, 1964, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on May 4, 1991, after more than 27 years of marriage.

She is survived by her children, Bradley J. (Sheri A.) Olson of Aledo, Illinois, Shelley R. (James) Upson of East Galesburg, Illinois, and Melissa S. "Susie" Olson of Knoxville; six grandchildren, Samantha M. (Jason) Giese of Louisville, Kentucky, Jacquelyn M. (Michael) Lane of Lisle, Illinois, Timothy M. (Amber) Carnes of Fairbanks, Alaska, Bryce M. (Marissa) Carnes of Knoxville, Illinois, Kalin S. Upson of Elgin, Illinois, and James W. "Jimmy" Upson II, of Victoria, Illinois; great grandchildren, Natalie Szalonek, Carter Giese, Titus Szalonek, Hunter Carnes, Zoey Carnes, Kayla Kurdi, Riley Kurdi, Mason Carnes, and Easton Carnes. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jerry Herrin.

Mary Ann graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963. She went on to earn her undergraduate and graduate teaching degrees from Western Illinois University.

She was a schoolteacher for more than 25 years. Most of that time was in the Galesburg Public School System. She taught at Lombard, Cooke, King, and Nielson schools.

In addition to teaching, she dedicated her life to making the life of her daughter, Susie, better in every way. Her passion was for her family and the students she taught. It's where she found her purpose and the most happiness.

Cremation will be accorded. Memorial visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Jim Reynolds officiating. Burial of cremated remains will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, with her husband. Memorial contributions in Mary Ann's name may be made to Special Olympics. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.