Arabella M (Severy) Olander

Monson-Arabella M. Olander, 77, passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2024, after a year-long battle with lung cancer. 50 years ago, upon unpacking in her new home, she declared “I want to die in this house” and so it was.

Born in Dorchester, she attended local public schools, graduating from Hyde Park High school where she wrote her class song. She majored in zoology and obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.  She then studied education and obtained a Master’s degree from Suffolk University. Her first career was that of a mother. When asked what she did for work, she would reply “I’m a mother. That’s work.” Upon her youngest child entering school, she started her second career as a para educator in the Monson Public Schools. She supported students in math and reading for over 20 years and delighted in the connections she made with them. Upon retirement, she dove into volunteering at the Warren SDA School and her family wondered if she had actually retired.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 53 years, Raymond Olander of Monson, her children, William of Monson, Mary and her husband Richard Schilk of Fullerton, California, Timothy and his wife Jamie of Sturbridge, and Joseph and his wife Maria of Jacksonville, North Carolina as well as 5 grandchildren. She is survived by her brothers and sister-in-law, Donald and his wife Mai Severy and Robert Bayard Severy as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors on Monday, April 29th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lombard Funeral Home, 3 Bridge St., Monson MA. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, April 30th at 10 a.m. at the First Church of Monson, 5 High St., Monson MA. Burial will immediately follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, 32 Wilbraham Road in Monson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Warren Seventh-Day Adventist Elementary School (www.warrensdaschool.com) or the Monson Fire Department, Ambulance Fund (PO Box 335, Monson, MA 01057).