Margaret McNair Olson - Obituary

argaret "Peg" McNair Olson, 85, died peacefully on May 10, 2025, at her home in Annapolis, Maryland, surrounded by her husband, Ron, and their three adult children: Dave, Brad, and Jen. Peg was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, to Kenneth McNair and Grace Rowe McNair. She was predeceased by her parents; stepfather, Nelson Over; her aunts Bertha Rowe (Paul) Santo, Zelda Rowe (Howard) Mencer, Hazel Rowe (John) Cundy; her uncle Russell Rowe (Jean); and cousin, Linda Rowe Ahmed. She is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Ronald L. Olson; their children, Dave (Jackie) Olson and Brad (Amy) Olson of Woodbine, MD, and Jen (Eric) Ledford of Frederica, DE; eight grandchildren: Zach Olson, Nikki Olson (Trey) Shoemaker, Mary Kate Olson (Mike) Messina, Grace Olson, and Jayna, Josie, Nolan, and Jeffrey Ledford; and two great-grandchildren, Bella and Naomi Shoemaker. She is also survived by her cousins, Naim Ahmed of Charlotte, NC and Jill Rowe (Tom) Dizio of Lewes, DE; and many Olson in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Peg graduated as co-valedictorian of her 1957 class at Chambersburg High School and earned a B.S. in Business Education from Shippensburg University in 1961. During her school years, she worked nights and weekends as a long-distance telephone operator. In 1961, she married her high school sweetheart, Ron Olson. Their early years took them to Bloomington, Indiana, where Ron attended graduate school. They later settled in College Park and then Silver Spring (Hillandale), Maryland, before moving to Annapolis in 1995, once their nest was empty. Peg worked briefly as a secretary at Indiana University’s Business School before dedicating herself to a full and joyful life as a loving wife, stay-at-home mom, enthusiastic supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, family planner and historian, devoted community volunteer, and unwavering matriarch. She was often found cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, concerts, and recitals—even hauling props on long van trips for her grandchildren’s Odyssey of the Mind competitions. She treasured tradition and travel—racking up visits to all 50 states and five continents. Australia held a special place in her heart. She chronicled many of these adventures with care and warmth, preserving the stories of cross-country train rides, national park visits, beach days, and multigenerational trips to Disney World and Hawaii. Every summer since 1965, Peg and Ron joined longtime friends Joe and Doris Kump and their children for beach vacations in Ocean City and Bethany Beach. The Bethany Beach house, with its boardwalk strolls and daily ice cream rituals, became a cherished gathering spot for two generations of memories. Peg had a passion for aerobic dance and attended multiple classes per week for nearly 50 years—until the pandemic interrupted her routines. She was also a devoted Neil Diamond fan and proud member of his fan club, joyfully attending his concerts whenever possible. An avid sports fan, Peg followed college basketball and football loyally—especially the Maryland Terrapins and the Indiana Hoosiers. She had the rare thrill of attending the legendary 1974 ACC Championship (Terps vs. NC State) and the 2002 NCAA Final between her two favorite teams. Peg’s legacy is deeply woven into the life of her family. She helped shape three generations through her nurturing, her values, and the joyful spirit she brought to every occasion. Her influence will live on in their traditions, their gatherings, and their stories. Family and friends are invited to Margaret's funeral service on Sunday, May 18 at 10 AM at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, followed by a visitation from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. Interment will be at 1:30 PM at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 2150 Mt. View Road, Marriottsville, MD. If you are joining the family in remembrance, please consider wearing Peg’s favorite color purple in her honor. The family expresses heartfelt thanks to the Ginger Cove Continuing Care Community, the Hospice of the Chesapeake, and Susan Moreland, NP for their exceptional care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation John and Cathy Belcher Campus 90 Ritchie Highway Pasadena, MD 21122 Peg Olson - Photo Memories