Marion J. Olson

SARASOTA, Fla. - Marion J. Olson, 92, formerly of Ironwood, Michigan, entered eternal peace on Dec. 27, 2024, surrounded by members of her loving family.

Marion was born April 16, 1932, the daughter of the late John and Anna (Sopko) and stepdaughter of the late Joseph Kurta. After graduating from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood in 1950, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. She was trained as a teletypewriter mechanic and became an instructor before being reassigned to recruitment duty.

Marion married Lawrence S. Olson, an Air Force glider pilot, in April 1952. They built their home on Olson Road in Ironwood, close to her husband's family-owned dairy, where they made numerous dairy-based products. They were blessed with three children, Lawrence W. (Anita) Olson, Sharon Daboin and Randy (Bonnie) Olson.

Marion worked in the dairy until 1968, when she received her degree in education from Northland College, Ashland, Wisconsin.

While attending college, her children attended Holy Trinity Saint Michael's Catholic school, befriending the Dominican Sisters that taught there. Without the support of the nuns, Marion would not have been able to attend college and complete her degree.

In 1969, Marion began her teaching career in White Pine, Michigan, as a physical education and health teacher for grades K-12. She also was responsible for coaching the girls' track, volleyball, basketball, tennis and ski teams.

Marion loved camping and would take the family to various campgrounds, where she discovered Golden Lake, near Iron River, Michigan. She fell in love with the location and was able to purchase a very rustic cottage where the family created many memories in the summers. Her hard work and determination enabled her and her stepfather to successfully add electricity and indoor plumbing to the property.

In 1978, Marion moved to Mesa, Arizona, to be closer to her daughter and her two grandchildren. She worked as a supervisor for I.T.T Courier and realized that she missed working with children.

In 1980, she accepted a position with the Department of Defense Dependent School Overseas Teaching Program and was assigned to a Navy Base in Sigonella, Sicily. During her years teaching in Sicily, Marion and her friends and family would spend exciting times traveling around the world. Marion visited many places, including Italy, Germany, Turkey, Japan and Africa.

Marion retired to Sarasota in 1994, joining many of her retired teacher friends. Her adventures and active lifestyle continued in retirement, when she would swim, ride her bike, volunteer at her church and local nursing home, and travel. She purchased a large RV and spent time exploring the United States with her best friend, Lani Tallant.

In 2020, Marion moved to Baltimore, Maryland, with her daughter, and her final months were spent in the loving care of the staff at Morningside House of Satyr Hill Senior Care Facility.

Marion was predeceased by her son, Lawrence S. Olson, in 1953; ex-husband, Lawrence S. Olson, in 1969; brother, John P. Kurta, in 1943; and sister, Anna Mae Toth, in 2020. She also mourned the loss of her best friend and traveling partner, Lani, for whom she provided care for nearly ten years due to a major stroke.

Marion was a kind, generous and loving person with a great sense of humor, who was always available to help anyone in need. She enjoyed watching wildlife, relaxing with her cat, playing cards and helping others. She was a very strong woman who worked hard, played hard, laughed hard and loved even harder. She raised three equally strong children to be God-fearing and country-loving, and they all served time in the military. She was an amazing woman who will be missed by her family and friends and especially her seven grandchildren: Kevin Daboin, Corey Daboin, Randall Olson, Brandon Olson, Lolita Olson, Cesar Olson and Jane Olson; and her five great grandchildren.

A funeral Mass and burial for Marion will be held in Sarasota on Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church. Reception to follow in the Church Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church at 833 Magellan Drive, Sarasota, FL 34234 or a fund to supply wildlife treats at Morningside House of Satyr Hill at 8800 Old Harford Road, Parkville, MD 21234.

May Marion's soul find eternal rest, and may her memory bring comfort to all who knew her, loved her and appreciated her huge heart and fun-loving nature.