Margaret G. “Peggy” Olson was born in Butte, Montana on May 5, 1925 at her parents’ home on 209 Minah, just below the Mountain Con Mine.
Her parents, Catherine McGeever and Michael Melvin, migrated from Ireland in the early nineteen hundreds. They met in Philadelphia, married and moved to Butte where Michael was employed with the Anaconda Company. Peggy was the youngest of six children. She had three sisters, Catherine, Ann and Rose along with two brothers Edward and Robert. She attended St. Marys’ grade school and graduated from Girls Central high school in 1943.
Following graduation, she worked for Mountain States Telephone for 4 years then married George P. Olson on August 9,1947 in Butte. Following their marriage the couple moved to Oakland, California where George was still active in the Navy. Following his separation from the Navy the family returned to Butte.
George P. was employed by the Anaconda company as an electrician and continued in the Naval Reserves. Peggy and George were blessed with four sons: George E., Lee, David and Mark. The family, following work opportunities, moved to Redwood City, California in 1964. In 1965 Peggy went to work for Pacific Bell and eventually retired in 1990 as a supervisor in the Operator services department.
After their retirement, Peggy and George moved back to Montana where they had family in Helena, Butte, and Missoula.
Peggy was preceded in death by her husband George P. in 2002 and her son Mark in 2003. By 2008 Peggy was the last surviving member of the Melvin clan from 209 Minah in Butte.
Peggy is survived by her three sons George E. Lee, and David, and their families. She leaves many beloved nephews, nieces and grandchildren. God Bless them all.
A Vigil Service is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home with a viewing starting at 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass is set for 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, which will be livestreamed on the Cathedral’s YouTube Channel. A reception will follow the Mass in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Private family burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Gods Love, Helena Food Share or the Friendship Center. Peggy felt very strongly about supporting these organizations. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Peggy.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 24, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 25, 2026
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Wednesday February 25, 2026
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Wednesday February 25, 2026
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 24, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 25, 2026
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Wednesday February 25, 2026
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Wednesday February 25, 2026
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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David Olson says
The toughest woman I have ever known. Thanks Mom for all of your sacrifices made for your four sons. Thank you for sharing your great Faith in God. With love always, your son David and wife Linda.
Dannette Bettison says
Peg was a lovely, kind lady and a wonderful friend to our mom, Lorraine Bettison. Our deepest condolences to George, Lee, David, and families. Rest in peace, Peggy.
The Bettison family
Shaun Olson says
I’m glad that I always took the time to visit when I was home. Some of my best memories were of looking through photo albums as she told the stories of our family in the pictures. My wife got the opportunity to hear some of those stories as well. Love you always Gramma Peg, I’ll miss you.
Shaun and Ruth
Linda says
May the roads rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
The Caldwell Family says
For many years Peggy was with us at daily mass, and she always had time for a kind word and a hug. I’ve missed her, and I will always remember her beautiful spirit and love for the Lord. Rest well, sweet Peggy.
Joyce Andrus says
Just reading her life story, you know Peggy was a strong, indepenent woman who took great care of her family. Sending love and sympathy to her sons and their families.