Margaret "Murph" Olson

Margaret (Cecelia Ann Murphy) Olson, Murph joined the rest of the Murphy clan on the evening of September 18, 2016. With her she took a brilliant energy and beautiful unmatched spirit!She was born the 10th of 12 Irish siblings on November 22, 1924 in Great Falls, Montana to Margaret (McCarthy) Murphy and Owen Joseph Murphy. She took great pride in her Irish heritage and leaves behind an amazing legacy. She was the last of the Murphys who fought the war, laid brick, taught school, created buildings, whatever else it took to make ends meet.She held various jobs as a young girl; from working at "public" Drug to the Liberty Theatre and was a Park Lady for many summers. She attended "public" schools early and later graduated from St. Marys Catholic High School in 1943. During those years, she exercised her many talents and landed several important rolls in musicals, one being the lead in HMS Pinafore. She loved music of all kinds. Mom played life full-out, even tap dancing on her 90th birthday.Murph worked at the USO during WWII. Seven of her nine brothers were active in WWII; she and her mother tracked each one of their journeys. A younger brother, Charles Thomas went down with the USS Indianapolis. The other six brothers all made it home to safe shores. She was extremely proud of her brothers service to our country and was a major supporter of anything Veteran related. Mom was also so very proud of all the brick-work done by her brothers not only all over Great Falls, but throughout the entire state.Shortly after the end of WWII, she met the man who would become her love, husband, friend and partner for 58 years, Paul Ole Olson. They were introduced by her brother, Emmett and most of her brothers knew him so he was embraced by the whole family. They married on December 1, 1948 in Great Falls. From that union four children were born; Paulette, Nancy, Chuck and Dan.Mom and dad lived in Great Falls until 1977 when they moved to Seeley Lake. While there, in moms true style, they met and made many lifelong friends. They never met a stranger. Her door was always open and the coffee was always hot. There were fresh baked homemade cookies and her scrumptious pies! Her kitchen table was always a gathering place, regardless of the time of day. During those years they travelled to see family out of state, but always had a house full of friends and family all summer long.In 1998, they moved to the Houston area to be closer to Dan and his family as well as to get a break from the grueling winters in Seeley Lake. Again, they made many friends and were active in golf organizations, churches and truly enjoyed the life style and weather there.They came home to Great Falls in 2002. Mom continued to take care of everyone in her life; and most importantly her beloved Ole who passed away in 2004. She also made daily trips to nursing homes to care for her loved ones. One day the manager asked her if shed like a full time job there! She was 85 years old but she made sure everyone in the dining room had napkins, a beverage and visited each table.A lovely change occurred in moms life when she reunited with and old friend, Frank Jess Jasicko . He has been in her life for the last several years. This union gave mom renewed energy and a new outlook. They have been constant companions on a daily basis. He brought love and laughter into her life again. The impact of his support and friendship can never be quantified. He touched all of our lives deeply.Mom was a spitfire, full of energy and love. Her spirit will live on in all of us who knew and loved her. She leaves a beautiful legacy for which we all are deeply grateful. Family meant everything to her. She never stopped giving or showing her devotion to her family, even after they were gone. Every year she decorated at least 27 graves; shed change the flowers to match the season. She made sure a flag was placed on each veterans grave. Last spring, she used her walker but made sure that all the graves were decked out.Mom lived her life to the fullest and was an amazing example to those around her. She exuded tenacity, perseverance, independence, strength and honesty. No one ever had to wonder where they stood with mom or question her opinionon anything (solicited or not). She was deeply loved by so many..countless many.She was preceded in death by her husband, Ole of 58 years; parents; brothers Joe, Owen, Frank, Pat, John, Vince, Emmett, Chuck and Chub; sisters Florence Gilbert and Mary Polglase. In addition to her immediate family she was also preceded by six nephews and many in-laws, relatives and friends.Mom will be missed by her four children, Paulette Dayton (John) of Helena, Nancy Davis of Helena, Chuck Olson of Great Falls and Dan (Sherry) Olson of Houston, TX; dear daughter-in-law, Paula; also loved by 6 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; brother-in-law Bud (Fran) Olson; sister-in-law Evelyn Lloyd; and many nieces and nephews. She dearly loved everyone she left behind.Our deepest gratitude goes out to her dear and loyal friends, Arlee, Dort, Bruce and Jess who all have been a daily source of love and support. Their phone calls and visits gave her endless joy in her last months.A celebration of Moms life will be on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel.In lieu of flowers, donations in moms honor can be sent to the WWII Veterans Memorial, Great Falls Rescue Mission, Peace Hospice or any charity of choice.