Irene Olson Obituary

Irene Ruth Olson (Carboneau)
Eastlake, Michigan
06/15/1930 - 01/21/2025
Irene Ruth Olson (Carboneau) passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025. In her final days, she was surrounded by the loving presence of her family and caregivers. She was born on June 15, 1930, to John J. and Mary C. (Zielinski) Carboneau in Eastlake, Michigan. Irene graduated from Manistee High School in the class of 1948.
She married Donald A. Olson on September 21, 1950, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and loved being the mother of seven children.
The family deeply mourned Don after his death on December 18, 2006. Irene and Don were blessed with more than 56 years of marriage.
Irene is survived by her seven children and their spouses, Arthur (Jenny) Olson, Mary (Dennis) Williams, Connie (Rick) Howe, Chris Klinefelter, Andrea Purvis, Barbara (Steve) Allen, and William Olson.
Her pride and joy were her 12 grandchildren, Danielle, Donald, and Austin Olson, Marley and Lauren Williams, Justin and Aaron Klinefelter, Alaina, Mara, Eve, and Kenna Allen; and Bill Olson. Also, their spouses and her 11 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Irene is also survived by her cousin, Judi Crane.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Carboneau; father and mother-in-law, William and Mayme Olson; and her husband, Donald Olson. Irene was also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Gwen Olson, Marjorie "Mag" and Richard Johnson; nephew, Bruce Olson; and former son-in-law, Steven Purvis.
Irene played a big part in her children's youth, volunteering as their Brownie and Cub Scout Leaders, Sunday School teacher, and she was always active with the High School Band Boosters. She later discovered her passion for porcelain painting. She attended painting seminars in the United States and Germany. She served as a member of Manistee Area Porcelain Artists, serving as their President, Vice-President, and Corresponding Secretary of the Michigan Chapter.
Irene was an active 58-year member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Chapter DA, serving as past Secretary and President.
Irene was a faithful and devoted member of the Faith Covenant Church, and her faith in God was a very important part of her life. She loved her church and served in many vital parts of their growth, from Trustee, Deaconess, to their Church Chairman; Covenant Women, and other committees.
Irene will be remembered for her kindness to others, her love for family and friends, and, most importantly, her strong faith in God.
The Olson family would like to extend a sincere "thank you" to the staff at the Manistee Medical Care Facility for their care and kindness and Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospice for their enduring support.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Faith Covenant Church in Manistee, with Pastor Erik Carlson officiating, on February 8, 2025. Visitation for family and friends will start at 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. A private family interment will be planned for a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery also in Manistee. Those desiring may make a memorial contribution to Faith Covenant Church.
The family is being served by the Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee.