Mary Louise (Crist) Olson died peacefully in her sleep at home with her family Sunday, November 1, 2020 after a long illness. She is preceded in death by her father Irl, mother Shirly (Mendhenhall), and brother Wendell Crist. Mary is survived by her husband of 61 years, Terry, and her two sons Martin and Mitchell, as well as her sisters Shirley Ann Crist (Sartain) and Andrea Crist (Cox). Mary had 6 grandchildren, Kristin (Lee), Kyle, and Jennifer (Jackson) from Martin, and Nicholas, Kendal, and Brennan from Mitchell. She also had nine great-grandchildren. Mary is also survived by her two dogs, Jassie and Rider.
Mary was born July 22nd 1940 in Brookfield, MO. She graduated from East High School in Aurora, Illinois in 1958. She met her husband Terry Olson in Aurora, Illinois through a friend of Terry’s cousin. They went on their first date to a drive-in movie. Dad got a flat tire on the way to the drive-in and had to change it in the rain. Mom commented that she never saw anyone change a tire as fast as him.
Terry and Mary were married on Memorial Day in Aurora, Illinois in 1959 and by 1963 after their first child, Martin’s birth, chose to relocate to beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah. They bought their first home together in the suburb of Taylorsville, moving in a month before Mitchell’s first birthday in November of 1966 where she and Terry resided together until her death.
While she and Terry reared their two sons, Mary began what became a long and illustrious career working for Kennecott Copper’s Utah Copper division. Initially an executive secretary, Mary worked her way through many challenging positions, retiring as a senior purchasing agent in 1996. She was also a member of Executive Women’s International during her career with Kennecott.
At home, Terry and Mary decorated their home beautifully and Mary was particularly proud of her elaborate Christmas decorations. She loved Santa Claus and created many Santa trees and other Christmas displays in her home for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to enjoy.
The family is deeply thankful to Erika, Leisa, and Linda and the rest of the staff at Rocky Mountain Hospice and Home Care. And especially thankful to Allison Christensen for her above the call if neighborly duty during Mary's last weeks.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your foundation or charity of choice. Consider a donation in Mary’s name to the American Lung Association: www.lung.org, or American Alzheimer’s Foundation: www.alzfdn.org.
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Jacoba "Cobie" Derryberry
Mary was one of the first people I met when we moved into our home in Taylorsville in 1985. Whenever I would stop by, she would always greet me with a big smile. Sometimes I had treats to share and sometimes not. She loved to visit and we had some great conversations on her front porch. She is a dear friend and eventhough we have moved from the area, my heart misses her.
To the family of our beloved friend Mary Olson. We wish to convey our deepest condolence to Terry and the boys, Martin and Mich and other family members. We just want to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you at these hard times. This beautiful lady will never be forgotten. Larry & Cec.
Mary was the best neighbor. I always knew she was a 2nd pair of eyes watching my kids when they were out front playing. She had a wonderfully stocked kitchen as I would often call and ask "Can I borrow a . . . ?" and Mary would have it. She was very generous and kind. She could be seen walking her dogs daily. We felt like we hit the jackpot by getting Mary and Terry as neighbors!
Allison, I feel as if I know you, Mary always talked so lovingly of you, and Terry has mentioned how much help you have been as he’s been taking of Mary, and a few dinners you’ve brought over lately. Thank you for being such a great neighbor.