Margaret "Olson" Marie Berschauer

Margaret Marie (Olson) Berschauer, 85, passed away May 16, 2014, at home in Olympia, Washington. She was born to Herman and Ann Libbey Olson on June 9, 1928, in Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Olympia High School in 1946, married Harold Berschauer (1927-2002) in 1949, and raised five children together. She worked for the State of Washington Labor and Industries, retiring in 1991. Margaret was extremely independent and hardworking. She felt that the “golden years” were pretty tarnished. She did not like having to ask anyone for help. She still moved furniture around her house and did some of her own painting and minor repairs. She also was a master gardener whose greatest disappointment at aging was that she could not get out and work in her yard as she had done for decades. Margaret loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and would do anything for them. She did not like being the center of attention, photographs, or public speaking, but encouraged her children and grandchildren in their music and sports. She was devoted to her family and friends. When anyone needed help, she showed up, visiting in hospitals, convalescent centers, helping with physical therapy; she was willing to put in time for others. She also enjoyed birthday lunches with her friends from church. She had been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church since 1948, and was an active member of the Altar Guild. Margaret is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Terry) Ketchum of Olympia; sons, Robert (Claudia) Berschauer of Edgewood, Washington, Jeffrey Berschauer of Olympia, Andrew (Kelly) Berschauer of Palo Alto, California, and Fredric Berschauer of Olympia; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and brother, Donald Olson of Tumwater, as well as many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband, and brother “Red” Herman Olson. Please leave memories of Margaret or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.