Margaret Olmsted

Margaret was born in Youngstown, Ohio, to Orville and Mazie (Monk) Huish and was raised in Hubbard, Ohio. She graduated from Hubbard High School in 1951 and earned her nursing diploma from Northside Hospital. She began her nursing career there and later worked as an ER supervisor at Jackson Osteopathic Hospital in Toledo, Ohio.

On May 14, 1955, Margaret married Lester F. Olmsted and transitioned to homemaking as she and her husband moved frequently for his work with the railroad, raising their family along the way. She spent free time providing nursing care to shut-in neighbors and friends. After being widowed, she returned to nursing and worked at Americana Manor Care.

Margaret had a strong work ethic, was devoted to caring for others, and stayed active throughout her life. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, crocheting baby bonnets for NICU babies, and sewing hundreds of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. She loved mystery novels, puzzles, playing Rummy. A longtime member of the Methodist Church, she was intelligent, generous, independent, and had a sharp sense of humor.

Survivors include her children, Catherine Olmsted of Gwinn, David (Rose) Olmsted of Naperville, IL, and Mark (Megan Kolpek) Olmsted of Arlington Heights, IL; daughter-in-law, Beth Olmsted of Negaunee; brother, David W. Huish; grandchildren, Tammy Runstrom, Sarah (Thomas) Katona, Tyler Olmsted, and Rachel (Brian) Drennan; several nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Timothy Olmsted; granddaughter, Robin Olmsted; son-in-law, Michael Borske; brothers, Robert and Richard Huish; sister-in-law, Lucille Huish; niece, Elizabeth Huish; and her beloved dog, Cookie.

Memorial contributions may be made to UPAWS, 815 M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841 in Margaret’s honor.

Special thanks to Brookridge Assisted Living and Marquette County Medical Care Facility and Lake Superior Hospice for their kindness and care.

Honoring Margaret’s request, private family services will be held.

Canale Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com