Mary Louise Olson

Mary Louise Olson, 92, died at home on December 11th after a long illness.
Mary Lou was born January 21, 1917, in Miles City, MT, she attended Macalester College ('38) in St. Paul, MN, married Ralph H. Olson in 1941 and moved to California with her young family in 1952. She lived in the Bay Area, Weaverville and Roseville, before moving to Redding in 1963. Except for a brief stay in Ashland, OR, she lived in Redding and had been active in the community for forty-some years. She was a member of Pilgrim Congregational Church; a 68 year member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, supporting educational scholarships and loans for women; as a friend of the Redding Public Library, she especially enjoyed reading to children during story time; as a volunteer for the American Red Cross, she worked blood drives; and as a member of A.A.U.W. she helped during elections.
Mrs. Olson was an accomplished musician – leading a jazz band when she was young, playing concert piano during college, accompanying ballet recitals, playing at Scout events and church. She loved to travel and visited most of the U.S. and some of Canada and Mexico with Ralph. Together they enjoyed an extended visit to the British Isles; and newly widowed, she joined a tour from Southern Oregon University to Russia. An avid reader all of her life, she also enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening.
She is survived by her four children, Justin of Santa Fe, NM, Lary of Carmichael, Christine Olson McRoberts of Hamden, CT and Marjorie McAleer of Redding, and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, and her husband who died in March 1987.
A memorial service to celebrate Mary Lou's life will be held for family and friends December 29th, 11:00 AM, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 2850 Foothill Blvd.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter NY (for continuing education scholarships), c/o Donna Nelson, 1129 Almond Ave., Redding, CA 96001; or to the charity of your choice.