Mary Alice Olson

Mary Alice Olson, 86, of Galesburg, died at 6:50 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at Heartland Health Care, Galesburg.

Mary was born on May 8, 1928 in Galesburg, the daughter of Frances E. and M. Loretto Cofield Riley.  She married Ronald E. Olson on June 6, 1959 in Galesburg.  He preceded her in death on November 5, 1994.  Mary is survived by three sons, David (Colleen) Olson of Oswego, Jeffrey Olson of Galesburg, and Gregory (Barbara) Olson of Montgomery; and one daughter, Laura Olson of San Francisco, CA.  She is also survived by six grandchildren, Brandi (Brandon) Smith of Galesburg, Jake (Kristin) Olson of Benicia, CA, Adam Olson of Montgomery, Scott Olson of Oswego, Aaron Olson of Montgomery, and Mikela Olson of Oswego; and two great grandchildren, Kaydence and Riley Smith.  Including her husband, Mary was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Virginia Runbom, and two brothers, Thomas and Warren Riley. 

Mary graduated from Corpus Christi High School.  Mary worked at Admiral’s from 1949 to 1959.  She then worked as a retail clerk for 10 years at J.C. Penney in Galesburg, retiring in 1986.  She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and a past member of the Ladies of Mary.  She loved to pray the rosary.  Most of all, Mary loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2015 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.  Funeral Mass will be 1 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2015 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg.   Memorials may be directed to Costa Catholic Academy or Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.