Barbara Olson

Barbara Scott Olson was born March 10, 1927 in Homestead PA. The "Apple of their eye", she was the first child of Cecelia and Duncan Scott, who immigrated from Scotland in 1925 - 1926. Settling into a US Steel "company home" on Crawford Street in Homestead Park, brothers Duncan,George, (deceased), and baby sister Bonnie completed their family.

Barbara, known by many as "Scotty" was a storyteller, and she loved reminiscing about her childhood in the sublime woods behind Crawford Street, which later became Hamilton Hills in Munhall. Her early days were filled with building shacks, sledding, climbing trees, and helping her Dad in his garden. She was proud to be the big sister to Duncan, George and Bonnie and cherished that role throughout her life.

Scotty met her first love, Bob Olson, at the movie theater in Homestead Park when she was 16 years old, and he left for Army Air Force officer training in Florida shortly thereafter. The war was over by 1945 when Barbara graduated from Munhall High School, and the young couple was married on Valentines Day in 1946. Scotty (Bug) and Bob were married for 67 years before his death in 2013. A wrapped bundle of love letters were recently discovered in her dresser drawer.

Scotty and Bob shared the dream of a big family, which certainly came true!  Having five kids in seven years, the role of MUM was her true calling. Bobby, Lynne ( Pat), Gail ( Andy), Jim, and Jack (Cheryl) were the Botsford Street crew, running up hills to "Hess's Field" to play in the woods, following their mum's early passion. By 1961, the sixth child, David ( Anne) was born, so it was time to move to the big house on James Street where the arrival of Doug soon culminated their family dream.  As her children were married with children of their own, she bacame Grammy to grandchildren Erik, Ian, Katy, Molly, Robby, Beth, Becky, Amy, Michael, Jamie, Jody, Kasey, Eli, Sara, Lauren, Christen, and Leah; and to great grandchildren, Austin, Easton, Dustin, Natalie, Adam, Abbey, Lucas, Evan, Isaac, Austin, Ewan, Camden, Avery, Ayden, Maeve, Noel, Miles, Stevie B, Ian, Jane, Jaxon, and Jordan. Barbara continued to be a second Mum and Grammy to many friends of her children, who celebrate her today.

Although nurturing her family was paramount, Scotty created a wide swath of influence in the community. Early days saw her active in the Homestead Park PTA and Homestead Hospital Jr. Cot Club, and a choir member at Homestead Park Methodist Church, where she made sure her children went to Sunday School every week. She was a huge help in Bob's Real Estate and Insurance business, and once her kids were raised, she ventured into Real Estate on her own. Many in Munhall remember her as their capable Real Estate agent as she worked at McShane Realty.

Barbara was blessed with close friends throughout her life, and they were very important to her. The “Card Club Ladies", were a lifetime friend group, as were the “Conneaut Crew”. She was active in Ladies Golf Leagues at Duquesne Country Club, AARPS at the Thompson Club, and bowling leagues into her nineties. ( She usually outscored them all !)

A true Matriarch, Mum, Grammy, Auntie B. and Aunt Scotty to many nieces and nephews whom she took under her wing, she will be remembered by all who loved her.

Family and friends received at the George Irvin Green Funeral Home, 3511 Main Street, Munhall, Thursday, June 26, from 12-3 PM and 5-8 PM. Please leave your memories and condolences at www.georgeigreenfuneralhome.com.