Margaret Mary Olson

Margaret Mary Olson, a native of Seattle, Washington and a long-time resident of Stockton, Ca. died on April 27, 2013. She was 96 years old. She was born on October 31, 1916 (Halloween) in Seattle Washington. Margaret was one, of two children. She grew up with her Mother and Sister in Seattle, Washington where she went to Green Lake Grammar School, John Marshall Jr. High and graduated one year ahead of her time from Roosevelt High School in 1934. In High School, she was head of the Friendship and Employment committees. After High School she went to work at Van De Kamp’s Bakery in Seattle, Washington near Broadway St. where she was store manager. Margaret moved to Stockton, Ca. where she worked for Continental Can Co. for 13 years. She worked in the Press Dept. checking lids for the cans and running machinery. While she was working at Continental Can Co. she married Norman Olson in 1947. Margaret is best known for her participation in the Bonsai Club and Sister City of Stockton, Ca. She was a Master Gardner and did work for Mickie Grove Park where she was a volunteer for The Cherry Blossom Festival showing her many Bonsai Plants and giving tours of the park. In the Sister City Club, Margaret and Norman traveled to other countries inviting people to stay at their house in return; they were welcome to stay with a family. Between 1970-1971 Margaret was President of The Evening Student Association at San Joaquin Delta College. She received her Associate in Arts Degree in 1972. Margaret was active in many Agricultural Clubs on campus and earned her Landscape Design, Maintenance and Installation Degree and Nursery Technician Degree in 1976. She was active in the Art Dept. taking Calligraphy and Water Color Classes. Margaret enjoyed traveling around the world with her husband Norman. One of their favorite trips was to Black pool, England for his WWII Reunion with the Bad 2 Association. Margaret is survived by her Daughter Karen Olson of Stockton and Sharon Van Dewark of San Diego, three grandchildren Kristi Houston of Poway, Kevin Van Dewark of Turlock, and Robyn Moshier of Tarzana and two great-grandchildren, Andy Houston and Hannah Van Dewark. Contributions in memory to Margaret may be sent to the Bonsai Club.