Mary Jo Olson, age 69 of Grafton, ND passed away on Monday, July 10, 2023 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks, ND.
Mary Jo Watkins was born June 24, 1954 in Grafton, ND the daughter of the late Tom and Gladys (Dub) Watkins. She grew up and attended school in Grafton, graduating from Grafton High School in 1972. Mary Jo was united in marriage to Tom Olson on May 31, 1974 in Grafton where the couple lived and farmed. Mary Jo also worked doing catering, working at local flower shops and also owned and operated MJ’s Bridal. Mary Jo had a huge heart. Her most recent job before she retired was being a PARA for the Grafton School District. She was very generous when it came to “Her Kids” at school. If anyone was in need of hats, mittens, or boots she was always there to help. She gave a lot of hugs but also showed the kids how to stand up for themselves! She always had a pocket full of Tootsie Rolls to hand out.
Mary Jo was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where she served on the Altar Society for many years. She volunteered at the Second Time Around Store and served on the Board at Elmwood for 30 years. She was selected at the Citizen of the Year in Grafton in 2020.
Mary Jo had the biggest smile and made sure everyone had a good time when she was around. She had a way of connecting with others and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Mary Jo had many talents but above all she was just an awesome wife, mom, Grandma Jo and dear friend to many. She always said, “We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time!”
She was deeply loved by her family and friends. She was so proud of her boys and grandchildren, no matter how big or small. She is survived by her husband, Tom of 49 years, her sons: Andrew (Kylie), Scottsdale, AZ; Mikey (Kristi), Grafton, ND; her grandchildren: Kate, Will, Ole, Nash, Doan and Kayn; her siblings: Deb (Jesse) De La Rosa, TX; Pattie (Jack) Mihelich, Grafton, ND; Tom (Julie) Watkins, Las Vegas, NV; Joe (Robyn) Watkins, Grafton, ND. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father Frank Kubesh, and sister, Kathy Ruzicka
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be for two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Grafton, ND. Everyone is invited to a Celebration of Mary Jo’s Life at the Olson Farm, 14727 70th St. NE, Grafton, ND at 5:00 PM Saturday.
Memorials are preferred to either Elmwood or Unity Hospital Foundation, both of Grafton.
Mary Jo Watkins was born June 24, 1954 in Grafton, ND the daughter of the late Tom and Gladys (Dub) Watkins. She grew up and attended school in Grafton, graduating from Grafton High School in 1972. Mary Jo was united in marriage to Tom Olson on May 31, 1974 in Grafton where the couple lived and farmed. Mary Jo also worked doing catering, working at local flower shops and also owned and operated MJ’s Bridal. Mary Jo had a huge heart. Her most recent job before she retired was being a PARA for the Grafton School District. She was very generous when it came to “Her Kids” at school. If anyone was in need of hats, mittens, or boots she was always there to help. She gave a lot of hugs but also showed the kids how to stand up for themselves! She always had a pocket full of Tootsie Rolls to hand out.
Mary Jo was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where she served on the Altar Society for many years. She volunteered at the Second Time Around Store and served on the Board at Elmwood for 30 years. She was selected at the Citizen of the Year in Grafton in 2020.
Mary Jo had the biggest smile and made sure everyone had a good time when she was around. She had a way of connecting with others and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Mary Jo had many talents but above all she was just an awesome wife, mom, Grandma Jo and dear friend to many. She always said, “We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time!”
She was deeply loved by her family and friends. She was so proud of her boys and grandchildren, no matter how big or small. She is survived by her husband, Tom of 49 years, her sons: Andrew (Kylie), Scottsdale, AZ; Mikey (Kristi), Grafton, ND; her grandchildren: Kate, Will, Ole, Nash, Doan and Kayn; her siblings: Deb (Jesse) De La Rosa, TX; Pattie (Jack) Mihelich, Grafton, ND; Tom (Julie) Watkins, Las Vegas, NV; Joe (Robyn) Watkins, Grafton, ND. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father Frank Kubesh, and sister, Kathy Ruzicka
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be for two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Grafton, ND. Everyone is invited to a Celebration of Mary Jo’s Life at the Olson Farm, 14727 70th St. NE, Grafton, ND at 5:00 PM Saturday.
Memorials are preferred to either Elmwood or Unity Hospital Foundation, both of Grafton.