Mary Louise Olson-Pfeifer

Olson-Pfeifer, Mary Louise (Soukup) Age 79 of New Hope, passed away after a 12-year hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Preceded in death by parents Charles and Mary Soukup, first husband of 46 years, Roger Olson, and brother Tom Soukup. Survived by loving husband of 8 years Gerald Pfeifer; children Michon (Dan) Ordner, Tony (Andrea) Olson, Laura (Mark) Marron; grandchildren Matthew and Mark Ordner, Autumn and Hunter Olson, Amanda, Abigail, and Alexandra Marron; brother Richard (Kathy) Soukup, sister-in-law Terri Soukup, nieces and nephews; the Pfeifer family, and many friends.

Mary graduated from Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing in 1963. She started her career in pediatrics at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and switched to geriatrics in 1976 when she went to work for St. Therese Nursing Home in New Hope. She retired in 2005 after 29 years of service.

She said she was lucky to have found great love twice in her lifetime. First with Roger and later in life with Jerry. Mary had a strong Catholic faith which she practiced by using her talents to serve others both professionally and personally. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren and throughout her life you could often find her in the stands at a rink, a gym, a field, or a stage cheering them on as their biggest fan. Mary enjoyed gardening and bringing beauty to outdoor spaces. She was an avid knitter and crocheter and often donated her work. Her time with friends was spent on neighborhood walks and attending book club. Mary lived her life with grace. A survivor of pancreatic cancer, she was grateful for every extra day – and shared her joy and wonder with those around her.

Special thanks to Dr. Cathleen Chen and staff of Frauenshuh Cancer Center and the entire staff of St. Therese at St. Odilia Hospice for their compassionate care.

Visitation Thursday, Feb. 10, 5-8pm at Kapala-Glodek, Malone Funeral Home, 7800 Bass Lake Road, New Hope. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, Feb. 11, 10:00 am Church of St. Raphael, 7301 Bass Lake Road, Crystal, with additional visitation at the church 1 hour prior to Mass. Private internment at Gethsemane Cemetery. Memorials preferred to St. Odilia Hospice at St. Therese Foundation at donate.sttheresemn.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kapalaglodekmalone.com for the Olson-Pfeifer family.