Mary Olson

Mary Jane Olson Age 57, of Baxter, Minnesota passed away at home on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 surrounded by her family. She was the fifth of six children, born in Minneapolis on February 11, 1961 to Conrad and Mary Ann Emerson.

During her growing up years, Mary excelled in softball and gymnastics. She loved spending time at the family lake cabin on Sylvan Lake in Pillager where she water skied and spent time outdoors. She and her brother Jay perfected the art of practical jokes. A talent that extended well into her adult years.

Mary graduated from Burnsville High School in 1979. She attended the Brainerd Vocational School in the 1980's.

Mary met her husband Steve while working for Anderson Brothers Construction in the summer of 1982. They were married on July 21, 1984. Together they raised two children, Matthew and Nicole, whom she lived for. Mary couldn't get enough of her five grandchildren; Elsa, Elliot, Kendall, Faye and Stella. She always made their birthdays special and was the best at being a grandma.

Mary worked as a dental assistant for 23 years. In 2009 Mary opened an adult foster care in Little Falls, Minnesota. She later opened a sober living facility, also in Little Falls. Both of which she operated until her brain cancer diagnosis in May of 2016. It is here where she found her life's work. Mary was kind, compassionate and understanding. She provided guidance to those who felt lost. Love for those who felt unloved and strength for those who felt weak. She was her client's biggest cheerleader and celebrated their successes as if they were her own.

Mary is preceded in death by her father Conrad Emerson and her brother Jay Emerson. She is survived by her husband Steve, daughter Nicole (Aaron), son Matthew, grandchildren Elsa, Elliot, Kendall, Faye and Stella, mother Mary Ann, sisters Kathy (Dennis), Margaret (Randy), Jill (Gary), Gina (Tim), sister-in-law Trudi (Jay) and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 15, 2018 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to services. Interment will take place at Baxter City Cemetery.