"I am heartsick to hear this news and feel that I have failed my friend by assuming she was OK after she told me she had gone back to work. So many times I thought to call, yet let the time difference and other bits of life's clutter got in the way. Peg was a dear, dear friend and one I had hoped would be part of my life as we aged into retirement. My condolences to all Peg's family and friends, but especially to John. John was the center of Peg's world and I know that she was John's center in return. "
In loving memory of
Margaret E. "Peggy" Olson
July 30, 1955 - September 1, 2012
Madison - Margaret E. "Peggy" Olson, age 57, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at her home surrounded by loving family and friends after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. She was born on July 30, 1955 in Racine, Wis. to James R. and Mary Jane (Schelling) Olson. She met her adoring husband, John Folts, in church and they were married on August 18, 1990. She was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church. She devoted many hours to the church's social outreach programs and loved singing in the church choir. She had a lifelong love of movies, especially comedies. She also loved getting together with family and friends, singing (especially Irish Folk songs), water parks, reading, and most importantly, caring for those less capable or less fortunate than she. She and her husband John, devoted many hours to various volunteer activities that helped those in need in our community. Her kindness and gentle spirit touched many people and will be sorely missed. Peggy grew up in Racine, Wisconsin. She graduated from Racine J.I. Case High School in 1973. She was always an outstanding student and went on to obtain a Bachelors degree from Valparaiso University in 1977, a JD degree from the University of Wisconsin Law school in 1983, and a Masters of Science Degree from the UW Business School (Real Estate Program) in 1986. She worked at CUNA Mutual Insurance Corporation for 26 years. Survivors include her husband John Folts; her brothers John (Irene) of Madison, and Mark (Barbara) of Dayton, Ohio; nephews Jakob and Andrew; niece Paula; and two cats, Whitey and Blacky. Her parents preceded her in death. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison from 5 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2012. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. A church luncheon will follow the service. Peg would have preferred that in lieu of flowers, donations made to Bethel Lutheran Church's food pantry or Homeless Outreach Programs.
Tributes
"My heart is saddened today, upon learning that Margaret has returned as an Angel to Heaven. While personally never having had the pleasure of meeting her, as an employee of Cuna Mutual, she provided so much assistance to our Credit Union with questions and issues that we needed help with. Blessings to the family as they work their way through this first year without her. "
"Jphn and family,
So sorry to here about Peg. I have not seen her for awhile but she and I were in grad school together and has been mentioned below many times, she was a lovely lady. I just saw this obit now so I am sorry my condolences are going out a little late. Love to all in Madison. She will definitely be missed. . "
"I got to know John & Peggy following the loss of my own wife several years ago. Her kind words of encouragement and gentle presence were much appreciated and helped me through a difficult time. "
"I never met Margaret in person, but I spoke with her many times on the phone and communicated with her by email when I needed a legal opinion on just about anything. I always felt like we were friends, but it is so good know she was actually my sister. She will be missed. I pray that God will richly bless all of her family. "
"I knew this lovely lady because John took her to medical meetings in various cities throughout the country. We would share the days our husbands were in meetings by touring the area, always having a lovely lunch, talking, talking, talking, and doing a bit of shopping.She was such a joy to be with. Sharing family stories was a favorite conversation and being willing to listen to my family stories as well. I know she had a heart for the Lord and his work here on earth and I feel certain she is sitting in his lap as he tells her "well done dear servant". John our hearts go out to you and the rest of the family. She held you in a very special place in her heart! May God ease your pain and show you his love through those who reach out to love you at this time."
"Seeing Margaret's obit in the paper today absolutely broke my heart. I so wish I could have told her how much I enjoyed, respected, and appreciated her. Upon joining CUNA Mutual from Waverly in 1989, Margaret was the first person to openly welcome me, and all of us, to Madison and CUNA Mutual. Over the years since then, she was always a positive presence. She was able, and always willing, to contribute to any undertaking or conversation, always with a well founded perspective, and never in an adversarial tone. Like most of us, she was not always appropriately appreciated, but unlike most of us, she was able to maintain her poise, positive perspective, and appreciation for all the good that living a good life provides. There have been "bigger" people in my life, but no one leaves a more positive model of a life well lived than Margaret. John, thank you for an excuse to have a couple of glasses of red wine each evening, and thank you for sharing dear Peggy with many more appreciative coworkers and friends than you probably realized. I'm sure she rests in peace. You do so, too, okay?"
"I knew Margaret from Bethel and also CUNA Mutual. (sat right next to her for many years. ) A great gal always willing to help someone in need. Bethel and the community will truly miss her. My sympathies to John and the rest of her
family."
"I knew Margaret from CUNA Mutual, what a lovely lady. I had many great conversations with Margaret thru the years. I loved her smile and her laugh. My deepest sympathies to the family. "
"My deepest sympathies to Margaret's family. God bless you Margaret, you were kind genuine lady. "
"My heart goes out to Margaret's family. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to know her while doing Meals on Wheels. She was a wonderful person with a huge heart. "
"I knew Margaret from work and because she delivered Meals on Wheels. She would always deliver on holidays and step in whenever we could not find someone to deliver. She and John were an awesome couple and I feel lucky to have known her."
"My sympathys to You John and family.I knew her from many things ar Bethel."