Maureen Olsen

Maureen Olsen, age 82, passed away on May 16, 2026, at The Home of the Good Shepherd in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Maureen was born on July 6, 1943, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Raymond and Frances Carmell. She attended Pittsfield High School, where she graduated pro merito and was a member of the National Honor Society. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1965 with a degree in elementary education.

Maureen began her teaching career in the Pittsfield school system. She and her husband, Robert “Bob” Olsen, later moved to Eugene, Oregon, where Bob received his doctorate in finance in 1974. They then moved to Chico, California, where Bob taught at California State College at Chico, and Maureen taught fourth grade at Notre Dame School. They resided in Chico for 30 years.

In retirement, Maureen and Bob returned to Eugene, Oregon, where they built their retirement home and reconnected with many dear friends. Following Bob’s passing, Maureen moved to Saratoga Springs, New York, to be near her sister Susan and family.

Maureen was an active member of the Catholic Church and had many friends. She made lifelong friendships through the Norwegian Club, Book Club, Lunch Club, and Collectors Club.

Maureen had a special love for animals, especially cats. Bob, who volunteered at a veterinary clinic, often brought home cats he thought Maureen would enjoy caring for. With her wonderful sense of humor, she named them according to their personality traits. Their home, set on 20 acres of land, was a haven for the cats. Maureen also fed the deer, turkeys, quail, and birds, often bushels of apples.

Maureen and Bob were outdoor people who enjoyed hiking, camping, nature, and traveling. They visited national and state parks throughout the country. They also traveled many times to Norway, as well as to other countries in Europe.

Among Maureen’s most memorable adventures were the retirement trips she and Bob took aboard the tall ship Stad Amsterdam. The voyage recreated the original trip from Norway to the United States in the early 1800s. These journeys showed Maureen’s tenacity, strong will, perseverance, and willingness to work hard. She was the only woman to take part in these demanding trips, and she and Bob completed the voyage twice.

A private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Maureen Olsen may be made to the Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, New York 12208.