Mary Elizabeth Olander

Mary Elizabeth Linschoten Olander passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at the age of 92. She was born on December 21, 1933 to Mary Van Cott and Gerard B. Linschoten. Mary grew up in Salt Lake City where she and her younger brother Gerard enjoyed close associations with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She graduated from Granite High School where she made many lifelong friends. She also attended the University of Utah.

She was married to Col. L. Hugh Olander for 30 years. During their years as an Army family, they lived in Texas, Utah, Virginia, Maryland and Germany. A favorite time was their posting in Heidelberg, Germany.

Mary loved children and besides raising her own 3 children she was a beloved nanny to several lucky families. She also worked at Standard Oil and later at ZCMI.

She had a special love for animals, especially cats, which she bred and which included several award winners. She also did beautiful cross-stitching and knitting.

Mary was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her favorite calling was serving in the Salt Lake Temple Nursery. Mary was a strong woman who faced life’s challenges directly.

She is survived by her twin daughters, Caroline O. Rizzo and Christine Downton; her daughter-in-law, Samantha Olander; her brother, Gerard V. Linschoten; stepbrother, Bruce Reading; 6 grandchildren and a great grandson. She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Charles Olander.

A graveside service will be held for friends and family at the Salt Lake City Cemetery on Friday, February 20th at 1:00 PM.