The City of Elkhart announced Monday that longtime city councilwoman Mary Olson has died. A release from the city says Olson passed away Monday afternoon from an undisclosed illness.
In the release, Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson said Olson was the “consummate public servant” and “a champion of the causes she believed in.”
“It was an honor and privilege to work alongside her on council and again since I've been mayor,” Roberson said. “While Mary was ill, we maintained hope she would once again grace Council Chambers with her thoughtful comments and steady deliberation. She will be missed.
First District Councilman Aaron Mishler also paid tribute to Olson in a Facebook post.
“When I joined council she welcomed me with a warm and open heart, and was always available to discuss legislation and offer advice,” Mishler wrote. “Her loss will be deeply felt in council and throughout the city.”
Both Roberson and Mishler also expressed condolences for Olson’s husband, David, and her family.
Olson served on the city council as an at-large member for more than 20 years. She was most recently re-elected in 2020.
Contact Gemma at gdicarlo@wvpe.org or follow her on Twitter at @gemma_dicarlo.
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