Roselain Mary Wilkinson Olson

Roselain Mary Wilkinson Olson, 79, passed away February 13, 2026 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. She was born at home in Artesia, New Mexico on November 23, 1946. Her family moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico when she was five years old. Mary graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1964. From high school she began her college career at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. Her plan was to become an elementary teacher. Mary's college journey was interrupted when she met and married LeRoy Olson in 1965. They were married for 54 years when LeRoy died in 2020. Mary and LeRoy raised three children, Caroline, LeRoy Jr. and Lawrence. In 1984, Mary returned to college earning her bachelor's degree at Highland University in Las Vegas, New Mexico and then she earned her master's degree in reading at the University of New Mexico. She taught primary education in Texas and in New Mexico. She moved to Gallup, New Mexico in 2007 where she was an elementary school librarian on the Navajo reservation. Mary retired from Gallup McKinley County School District in 2013 and she, LeRoy and their son, Lawrence, moved to Albuquerque in 2013.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Caroline Olson Garcia of Arlington, Texas, & son, Lawrence Olson of Albuquerque, grandson, Asher Garcia and son-in-law Fred Garcia of Arlington. She is also survived by a sister, Dorothy, of Albuquerque, a brother, Roy of Carlsbad, a sister-in-law, Gayle of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, two nephews and three nieces. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Olson, son, Leroy Olson Jr, and her mother and father.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, February 26, 2026, 10:00 AM at Carlsbad Cemetery with Pastor David W. Rogers officiating.

Letters of Condolence & Celebration of her life can be sent to 9423 Corsico Pl. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114.

Donations on her behalf can be made to the American Diabetes Association. https://American Diabetes Association/