Obituary of Irene M. Olson

MEDUSA – Irene M. Olson, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday February 3, 2019. She was born in Medusa, NY on February 27, 1935 to the late Einar and Eveleen Bergwall Olson. Irene graduated from Greenville Central School in 1952. She joined the United States Air Force in 1954 after receiving a degree from Paul Smith’s College. In 1998, she retired after a long career in public service working for the State of New York. A consummate historian and Civil War buff, Irene was a member of the Rensselaerville Historical Society and was Town Historian for many years. Many of her favorite pastimes included playing softball and watching baseball and basketball. She was also an avid bird watcher and enjoyed the outdoors; having grown up on the family farm. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her siblings, Robert Olson and June Olson Milburn; her niece, Marsha Olson Cance; and her nephews, Stephen Leber and David and John Milburn.

Irene is survived by her sister, Claire Olson Leber; her nephew, William Leber; her nieces, Anne Leber Smigel, Norma Olson Marsillio, and Patricia Milburn Farnan; many cherished great and great-great nieces and nephews; and her dear friend and companion Mary Brunot.

A calling hour will be held on Saturday February 9th from 1 to 2pm at the A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville, followed by a funeral service at 2pm. Burial in Medusa Cemetery will take place on Saturday July 13th at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rensselaerville Historical Society, PO Box 8, Rensselaerville, NY 12147. Condolences can be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com