Mary Olson

Mary L. Olson, 94, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, May 1, 2023, at her home, being held by her family.

Mary was born Aug. 9, 1928, to Robert O. and Margery E. Hanna McLeod in Doe Run, Missouri. She and Lee S. Olson were married March 18, 1957, in LaPorte, Indiana, and recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

Mary was a 1946 graduate of Flat River (Missouri) Central High School. She was primarily a homemaker and worked part-time at Famous-Barr and Cape Girardeau Police Department as an administrative secretary.

Throughout the years, she gave piano, violin and accordion lessons. Mary also held various teaching positions at church, and enjoyed serving as an election judge. She maintained a Christian home, and her dream of becoming a mother was fulfilled when son David and daughter Diane completed her family.

Mary was a member of Lynwood Baptist Church since 1974 and played in the church orchestra.

She was a 10-year member of the Girardette Home Extension Club, and Winter Texan Orchestra for 29 years. She enjoyed playing the piano at Cape Girardeau Senior Center.

Mary and Lee enjoyed 32 winters in Texas, and traveled the U.S., Mexico and Canada extensively.

Mary is survived by her husband, Lee; son, David (Molly) Olson; daughter, Diane (Paul) Pierantozzi; sister, Della (David) Hatfield; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and two sisters-in-law, Joan Olson Stout and Rebecca Olson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Chester Hostetler; one infant brother; and a sister, Alice Jane Machler.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, May 5, at Fruitland Community Church.

Funeral will immediately follow at the church, with the Rev. Mike Parry officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial donations may be made to Fruitland Community Church.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.