Mary Kathryn Olson's Obituary
Decatur - Mary Kathryn (Madell) Olson, 88, passed away November 5, 2023, in her Decatur, Illinois home. Mary was born March 7, 1935, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to her parents Laura Marie (Look) and Frank Joseph Madell. Mary was the oldest child and four brothers followed. The Madells moved to Decatur in 1945. Mary attended St. Patrick’s School and St. Teresa High School (class of 1953). She married Thomas Wesley Olson of Decatur at St. Patrick’s Church on February 4, 1956.
Mary was a devout and devoted member of Holy Family Parish from its founding in 1959 to present. She was a reporter for the Decatur Tribune from 1969 through the 1990’s, writing up engagements and weddings. Mary was a mother and homemaker. After having eleven children, she went back to college and received her Associate’s degree at Richland Community College and subsequently worked in the Decatur School District as a teacher’s aide.
She enjoyed berry picking, making jam, and playing Scrabble. She was young at heart, enjoyed witty conversations, and family gatherings. Opera was her favorite music and she loved to listen to it, loudly, in the early morning hours when everyone else was trying to sleep.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, her husband Tom in 2005, and her son Russell Christopher in 2017. She is survived by her children Thomas Jeffrey (Penni) of Cisco, Eric Wesley (Takako) of San Diego, CA, Mary Kathryn “Katy” of Champaign, Scott Joseph (Samantha) of Decatur, Philip John (Virginia) of Smithfield, VA, Kent Nels (fiancée Dianna De Laurentis) of Lombard, Laura Kaye (Toby Burke) of Kenai, AK, Daniel Rolf (Carroll) of Boone, NC, Kirk Michael (Jennifer) of Peoria, and Patrick Ross of Edmond, OK.
She is survived by 32 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Mass at Holy Family Church, Friday November 10, 2023, at 11 am, with visitation starting at 10 am. Burial to follow at Mount Gilead Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Mary’s name to New Life Pregnancy Center.
Moran & Goebel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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