Mary Olberg

Mary Ellen Olberg Mary Ellen Olberg passed away peacefully in Bellingham, Washington on Sunday, September 11, 2022, at the age of 95. Mary was born April 6, 1927 in Bismarck, North Dakota to Harry and Izeta Wassenaar. In the year 1937 the Wassenaar family packed up the old Model A truck along with her mama’s sewing machine and dad’s ‘big’ chair along with five kids and headed out on the long journey to Washington state. After several moves in the area, they finally settled into life as a farming family in Everson, Washington. The kids grew up and out the door. Mary met the love of her life Henry (Hank) Olberg. They became inseparable on December 6, 1947 in a ceremony at Mary’s family home. Mary and Hank made a home for themselves and eventually had two daughters Carol Ann and Debra Lyn. The family home was on the Mount Baker Highway. Over the years, Mary wore many hats: wife, mother, homemaker, and employee. When the girls were old enough, Mary worked outside the home – from berry picking, cleaning houses, and food processing. Mary was an avid seamstress, making clothes for herself and the girls. Her skills were good enough to land her a job as a tailor at several local clothing stores. Eventually, she retired from the tailoring job, but she wasn’t done yet! Mary went back to work at a local nursery. She became an expert indoor plant caregiver and absolutely loved it! Mary was not one to be idle. She was always doing something! Right up until her final days she said “I really need to wash those windows!” In her free time, you could find Mary and Hank traveling around in their RV with friends and family. Their travels took them from apple-picking to oyster-gathering, having lots of good food and lots of laughs. Mary also enjoyed gardening, crocheting, sewing, baking, and working on jigsaw puzzles. Mary was preceded in death by husband Henry (Hank), daughter Carol Ann Olson, parents Harry and Izeta Wassenaar, brothers Clarence and Eugene (Chuck) Wassenaar, and sisters Jean Horat and Louise Beard. Mary will be missed by her daughter Debra Olberg, granddaughter Charlene Steagall (John), and great-granddaughter Anna Steagall. Join Mary’s Family for a Celebration of Mary’s Life, November 12, 2022 from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm at Fairhaven Park Pavillion (by the water fountain). Enjoy a light luncheon of Mary’s ‘favorites’. Please feel free to bring your ‘favorite’ dish to share.

Mary Olberg

April 6, 1927 - September 11, 2022