Marilyn Jean Olsen (nee Alder)

Marilyn Jean Olsen, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at the age of 76, at the Good Samaritan West Highland Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Born on April 20, 1949, in Calgary, Alberta, Marilyn was predeceased by her parents, Ken and Lilly Alder (née Carlson), and by her loving husband of 47 years, Ross Olsen, in 2015; her father and mother in law, Fred and Dora Olsen, brother in law, Keith Olsen; sister in law, Lenore Olsen; great nephew, Brennan Olsen all of Neilburg, SK.; niece, Alyson Olsen; and great nephews, Bryer and Jacob Olsen of Calgary AB

 Theirs was a deep and lasting love, and we take comfort knowing that Marilyn and Ross are now reunited in heaven.

She is survived by her devoted children: Neil (Monique) Olsen of Spruce Grove; Kathleen Cornell, Neil’s first wife and mother of their children Adam, Jennekah, and Jillian; and Nancy (Joel) Sovdi of Calgary, and Nancy’s children Tait, Zachary and his girlfriend Abby Kambeitz, Preston, and Georgia. Marilyn is also lovingly remembered by her siblings Donna (Doug) Miles, Keith (Karen) Alder, and Kaye (Allan) Giles, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, her in laws, Victor and Sandra Olsen of Lloydminster, AB and Roy and Elaine Olsen of Rocanville, SK as well as extended family, and friends across Canada.

Special recognition goes to longtime friends Derek Peddle and his loyal Newfoundlander, Friendly, whose visits brought consistent companionship and comfort.

Marilyn lived a life of strength, humour, and unwavering devotion to those she loved and to her faith. A dedicated farm wife, she supported her family through all seasons of rural life. During the drought of the 1980s, she began working for the local school division, taking on three roles at Carmangay Elementary as a teacher’s aide, school secretary, and librarian. When the school later closed, she continued her career at County Central High School in Vulcan as a librarian and educational assistant until the loss of her sight in the fall of 2002.

Before her health challenges, Marilyn especially enjoyed summer days mowing the lawn on her John Deere tractor — catching a tan while keeping her yard in perfect shape. She built a strong support network and was deeply grateful for the many faithful friends who visited her at the Good Sam.

Most will remember Marilyn’s steadfast spirit and warm sense of humour. Despite living nearly 23 years with blindness and over a decade of serious health struggles, she never asked “why me?” She met each day with gratitude, faith, and a story to tell.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Nobleford Community Complex, 112 Kipp Street, Nobleford, Alberta. Lunch will be provided by Marilyn’s church community.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the management and staff of the Good Samaritan West Highland Centre, the Chinook Regional Hospital Hemodialysis Unit — where Marilyn dialyzed for 22 years — and the dedicated drivers from Lethbridge Access-A-Ride, who became a meaningful part of her daily life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, where Marilyn’s legacy will live on through future medical advancements and care.