Iris Witham Olson

AUGUSTA – Iris Witham Olson, of Augusta, passed away on April 11, 2022 at MaineGeneral Medical Center with the wonderful staff of Terrace West holding her hand. She had lived 93 very interesting years.

Iris was born March 1, 1929 to Wilfred and Martha (Vermette) Dumais in Caribou, one of eight children.

Her family later moved to Augusta where she graduated from Cony High School in 1947. Iris went on to attend and graduate from the Sisters’ Hospital nurses’ training program in 1950 as a registered nurse. She was later employed by the Augusta General Hospital and the Augusta Mental Health Institute before working at the Veterans Administration in Togus where she was honored to serve our veterans for 30 years.

Iris married Donald J. Witham in 1951 and they had three children together, Martha “Muffy”, Michael, and Timothy Witham. Donald and Iris raised the fourth generation of what would become six generations of Withams to live on the Spring Road.

After Donald passed in 1993, Iris was fortunate to meet Martin G. Olson in 1997 and they later wed in 1998. Iris loved traveling and she and Martin traveled to many countries including Norway, Morocco, and Russia culminating with an around the world cruise. Martin passed in June 2020.

Iris is survived by her three children, Martha (George Diplock), Michael (Kim), Timothy (Mary); grandchildren Michael Wiltse (Ashley), Jenny Wiltse-McClure (Erik), Caitlin Hernon (Michael), Christina Witham; and two beloved great-grandsons, Tate and Jack Wiltse. Iris stayed close to and never stopped advising her younger sisters Roberta (Bobbie) Audet and Jeannine (Neno) Dulac.

She was also predeceased by five siblings, Frank, Reggie, Delores, Rita, and Noreen.

A graveside service will be held Friday, April 22 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Manchester followed by a gathering at Western View Golf Course, Bolton Hill Road, Augusta.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta where memories and condolences may be shared with the family at https://khrfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/iris-witham-olson.