Mary C (Morrissey) Olsson passed away Tuesday, November 12 peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Kai Olsson of 29 years, daughter Sophie and sons Francis and Toby.
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| Mary C. Olsson |
She was raised in the family home in Franklin Ma where she attended St Mary’s Catholic School before leaving for college in Florida, and then spending time living in Atlanta Ga. She served many hospitality and coordination roles, most recently for the TJX corporation.
Always a lover of history, she spent her free time tracing family trees and researching Franklin’s history for the Historical Commission and the Cemetery Commission. She organized the speaker series, events and displays for the Franklin Museum, spending years as the Chair of the Historic Commission.
As the mother of 3 school age children at the time, she was a member of the Davis Thayer PCC, running school auctions to support the DT community. Seeing a need to be met, Mary founded “Harmony From The Heart,” an annual fundraiser which supported TTP research at UMass and Children’s Hospital. This research has resulted in life saving treatments.
Mary was a consummate collector; PEZ dispensers, tea pots, salt shakers for every occasion (or just because they were cute), and possibly most importantly to her, friends.
Making connections anywhere she went, Mary had friends in all parts of the world. Able to start a conversation with anyone, she made each person she met feel welcome. She would dive into their interests, connect them with others in her massive network with similar focuses. Beyond just connecting them, she loved to host her friends, porch parties, vacations, meals out, she delighted in playing the social conduit for us all.
This obituary is written by her three children, and there is no better example for how someone should live than our mom. She is a shining example of kindness, drive, and humility. She set us up for success and cared more deeply than anyone about our success, health and happiness. We will always miss her and never stop loving her.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Monday Nov. 18th at 9:00 AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Franklin at 10:00 AM.
Burial will take place at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery.
Calling hours are Sunday Nov. 17th from 2:00 - 5:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to help cover the costs associated with Mary’s end of life care and funeral services. This will allow the Olssons, and rest of family to grieve without the added burden of financial stress.
Update: The Historical Museum will be closed on Sunday, Nov 17 to honor Mary
