Marie Olson

Memorial Services for Marie Olson will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN. A visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be held at a later date at Nidaros Lutheran Cemetery in Hammer, South Dakota.

Marie Emily Ann Farinella was born January 28, 1938, in St. Paul, MN to Erfanny and Evelyn (Webber) Farinella. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in St. Paul. Marie graduated from Monroe High School in 1957. Following high school, she began working at Hancock Nelson Wholesale Grocery, where she met Russell Olson, a forklift driver.  They soon began dating and were married on May 14, 1960 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. They purchased their home in St. Paul and welcomed two daughters in to their family. Marie started her own business as an in-home daycare provider and was lovingly referred to as “Mama-Rie” by all the children she cared for over 30 years in business. Marie retired in 1994, when her first grandchild was born. Her and Russell continued to live in St. Paul until June 2021, when they sold their home of 60 years, and relocated to Morris to be closer to family. She loved living at Skyview Senior Living, and all of the wonderful staff there.

Marie was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary, volunteering countless hours to the Mendota VFW Post 6690. Her service to the VFW and veterans was of upmost importance to her. She was very active at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul, where she served on the Altar Guild. A few of her hobbies included: creating beautiful centerpieces and wreaths for the VFW, catering hundreds of funerals, watching Hallmark movies, cooking and baking, especially her homemade buns, chocolate peanut candies, pasta and her famous chicken dumpling soup. Most important was her family. She enjoyed her daughters’ activities, notably as a Girl Scout Troop Leader. She was so proud of her grandchildren and loved to share in their activities. She cherished all the time she was able to spend with them and her husband.

Marie died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Friday, April 15, 2022, at the West Wind Village Nursing Home in Morris, MN. Marie was 84 years old.

Marie is survived by her husband, Russell of Morris; her daughters: Lisa (Andy Kessler) Olson of Hastings, Jennifer (Kevin) Schaefer of Alberta; 5 grandchildren: Hunter, Anna, Serena, Echo and Colton; great-grandson, Aiden; sister Bonnie Hau of Chisago; brother Ervin Farinella of Inver Grove Heights; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Martina Olson; sister JoAnn Schneider; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law on both sides of the family.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of arrangements for Marie.