Margaret “Peg” Olsem, 55

Margaret “Peg” Olsem, age 55 of Westbrook, passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at her home surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 15 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Westbrook. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday AT THE CHURCH. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church Saturday. Interment will be in the Westbrook Cemetery.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service - Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Margaret “Peg” Ann (Shaughnessy) Olsem was born October 16, 1962 to Richard and Rose Ann (Nytes) Shaughnessy in New Prague, Minnesota. She received the holy sacraments at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague.  Peg graduated from New Prague High School and continued her education at Mankato State University. On August 26, 1983, Peg married Robert Olsem at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Together the couple made their home on a dairy farm south of Westbrook and raised their four children.  As a dedicated mother, she volunteered in many of her children’s activities. She was active in Early Childhood Family Education, Kids-Teaching-Kids, Students Against Drunk Driving, and many more. Through these activities, she discovered a passion for working with children.  For 18 years, Peg cultivated this interest as paraprofessional teaching specialist at the Westbrook-Walnut Grove Elementary School. At school, she particularly enjoyed teaching children to read. Peg continued her passion for teaching children as a grandmother.  She rarely missed an opportunity to be with her grandkids and share new experiences with them. At home Peg never shied away from a DIY project and enjoyed providing an abundance of food for family and friends. Peg was a truly unique person, active in her community, and a pillar of her family. She will be greatly missed and her memory cherished dearly.

Peg is survived by her husband Robert of 35 years; children: Matthew Olsem of Fridley, Christopher Olsem of Minneapolis, Jennifer (Cory) Reith of Fulda, and Jessica (Greg) Laleman of Currie; grandchildren: Connor & Theron Laleman and baby Reith on the way; siblings: Al (Cindy) Shaughnessy, Erin (Nick) Filipek, Joan (Mike) Dubanoski all of New Prague, and Jim (Kelly) Shaughnessy of Aitken; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother David Shaughnessy.