Maureen Olsen

In Loving Memory of Maureen L. (McNeally) Olsen

March 21, 1941 – April 26, 2025

Maureen was born on March 21, 1941, in St. Paul (Midway), Minnesota. She grew up there with her brother Mike and half-sister Patricia, attending St. Columba and graduating from Wilson High School in 1959. From an early age, Maureen had a joyful, welcoming spirit—someone who made friends easily and left people feeling heard and loved.

In November of 1962, Maureen married Robert Olsen. Together, they built a life first in the Como Park area, later moving to White Bear Lake in 1979. Though their marriage eventually ended in 1985, they shared five children: Ann (h. James), Annette, James (w. Krisann), Merry (h. Patrick), and Amy (h. John). The loss of Annette in 1981 was a deep sorrow, but Maureen’s strength and love helped carry her family forward.

After high school, Maureen began her career at Patterson Dental. Once she became a mother, she dedicated herself to raising her children, later returning to the workforce as an Administrative Professional at Hamline University—a position she held with loyalty and care for 30+ years.

Maureen was a woman who found happiness in life’s small joys. She loved knitting afghans, slippers, and scarves for her loved ones, and was known for her famous cornflake candy. Whether playing bunko with friends, bowling in leagues, doing word finds, or playing solitaire, Maureen always brought warmth to the room.

She especially loved supporting her children’s activities—spending many hours at the lake watching them water ski with the Bald Eagle Waterski Club. She even contributed behind the scenes with sewing costumes for the performers. It was just one of the many ways she gave her time and love to support her children and their passions.

Family was everything to Maureen. She was the heart of every gathering, and nothing lit her up more than being surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had ten grandchildren—Jason (w. Jenni), Joseph (w. Brittany), Michele (h. Chris), Bree, Shane (w. Lexie), Jena (h. Jacob), Alyssa, Dennis, Jared, and Paige—and nine great-grandchildren: Braidyn, Jaelyn, Keegan, Declan, Autumn, Aubri, Maggie, Kylie and Kane. each of whom she loved dearly.

Those who knew Maureen would describe her as bubbly, kind, always smiling, and a good listener. She had the rare gift of making others feel comfortable and important. She lived with intention—always present, always loving, always caring.

Maureen is survived by her children Ann, James, Merry, and Amy; her ten grandchildren; and her nine great-grandchildren and brother, Mike. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, thoughtfulness, and deep devotion to her family. Her love will continue to echo in the laughter of her grandkids, the traditions she started, and the many warm memories shared by all who knew her.

She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and never forgotten.

A memorial service will be held at 7 PM on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, with visitation from 4 PM until the time of the service. Private family interment at Roselawn cemetery.