Elkhart City Councilwoman, Mary Margaret Olson, 74, of Elkhart,  passed away Monday, August 23, 2021, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by love and family. Mary was born on February 1, 1947 in Fargo, North Dakota to the late Gerhart and Margaret Sarah (Beech) Houg.  On June 15, 1968 in Minneapolis, she married her true love David C. Olson. They built a wonderful life together with their three daughters, Kristin M. (Jeffrey) Holmes and children Joe and Brady Holmes, Juli M. (Terrance) Waggoner and their children Anna Waggoner, Jacob Nine, Logan (Shelby) Waggoner, Chase (Alexa) Waggoner, Zach (Morgan) Waggoner, Felicia (Mike) Nolt, and Mary's youngest, Sarah C. Olson and daughter Finley Dickinson; as well as 8 loving great grandchildren; a brother Richard (Barbara) Houg and her sister and best friend Karen (Jim) Montgomery. She was, sadly, preceded in death by her brother Gary Robert "Bobby" Houg at the age of 14.

Mary truly excelled in her role as wife, mother and grammy, she lived life fully and gratefully.  She was the glue that held her family together.  Mary never met a stranger and went out of her way to serve those in need of a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, without ever a second of hesitation. She loved her Big D with all her heart and the sun rose and set for her where hers girls were concerned.  Mary was a member of Grace Lutheran Church for 35 years, and everything she did was for God's glory.

After working on Representative John Hiler's campaign, Mary was elected to the Elkhart City Council in 1994, where she served for over 27 years. She felt one of her greatest blessings was representing her community and their needs . She served as President of the Council for three years and was elected as President of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns -a position traditionally held by Mayors. Her work on the Council centered on building relationships between government and the people it serves. She dedicated her time to and led numerous non-profit groups over the years always trying to help those in need or distress. Mary sat for many years as President of the Board of Family Services, Inc., helping troubled families and individuals. She was also the recipient of the YWCA Women of the Year Award and was recognized as a Point of Light in Indiana. Mary was posthumously awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the highest honor bestowed upon the most dedicated civil servants in the state of Indiana.   Her love of community was a driving force in her life.

She was so loved and will be missed by many.

A service to celebrate the life of Mary M. Olson will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 831 W. Marion St., Elkhart, IN 46516. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. (Mask are required to enter the church)

The family kindly request no flowers, instead, memorial donations in Mary's name may be made to CAPS, 1000 W. Hively Ave. Elkhart, IN 46517 or Church Community Services, 907 Oakland Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516.

Per Mary's wishes, cremation was chosen under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be sent to Mary's family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Mary's Celebration of Life service will be live streamed through the Grace Luther Church Facebook page, or it can be accessed at the church website www.gracelutheranelkhart.org