Mary Parish-Olson

MARY LYNN PARISH-OLSON , age 52 of Waterville, died on Monday, August 5, 2013 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Born in Northfield on December 20, 1960, Mary was the youngest of four children born to Donald and Joyce (Renwick) Parish.  As a young woman she attended school in Northfield.  On October 24, 1986 she married to David W. Olson in Waseca.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed pottery, horseback riding, and beekeeping.  Her husband describes Mary as a “wildwood flower” and says she was always happiest when she and her boys were out in the woods exploring and collecting (flowers in particular).  She also loved newborns of every kind, so she often surrounded herself with baby animals to care for.  Following an automobile accident that resulted in her disability nearly twenty years ago, Mary became very active with AA and positively impacted many lives through her dedicated work in that organization.

Mary is survived by her husband, David Olson of Waterville; three sons, David “Max” Parish-Olson of Waterville, Daniel Parish-Olson of Waterville, and William (Lachell) Parish-Olson currently deployed with the United States Navy; one grandson, Connor Parish-Olson; one sister, Kathryn (Tommy) Elias of Cannon Falls; two brothers, Michael Parish of Oregon, David (Corliss Swain) Parish of Northfield; and three step-children, Casseopia Olson of California, Nathan Balkavich of Rosemount, Jean Vreeland of Houston, Texas.  She was preceded in death by both of her parents, and one daughter-in-law, Jessica Parish-Olson.

Funeral services will begin at 3:00 PM on Friday, August 9, 2013 at the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Waterville, with Rev. Cindy Kennedy officiating.  A visitation and luncheon will be held from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at the church on Friday.