Margaret "Maggie" M. Oliver

Michelina Maria Altobelli was born May 7, 1916, in Dilworth "Little Italy", MN, to Anthony and Letizia (DiBrito) Altobelli. At age two, her mother died during the 1918 flu epidemic. Along with her five siblings she was raised in St. John's orphanage in Fargo, ND, until age twelve when she returned to live at their home with her father. During her school years, she picked up the nickname "Maggie" which she treasured all of her life. Maggie graduated from Dilworth High School in 1935.

Maggie was united in marriage to Frank "Funzy" Oliver Jr., on April 6, 1942, in Dilworth. They were married for sixty-two years, until his passing on January 14, 2003. They made their home in Dilworth where Funzy was the barber for sixty-four years. Together, Funzy and Maggie had two children, Michael and Marcia.

Maggie was a salesperson and worked for DeLendrecie's as well as Coleman's Furnishings, both Fargo. She also worked for Anthony's Dry Goods and Arvid Benson, both of Moorhead, MN. She continued to work until she was seventy-eight years young. Maggie enjoyed every minute of working with people and it has been said Maggie "could sell ice to Eskimos."

Maggie had a passion for life and was a sports enthusiast. She loved all sports, especially golfing and watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren playing sports, traveling far and wide throughout the years to take in their sporting events. She also enjoyed Notre Dame football, the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings.

Her greatest love of all was her family, faith, and friends. She treasured her family, and her children and grandchildren. They were the light of her life. Spending time with her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews were always important to her. Once a month, Maggie got together with her cousins who were also born and raised in Little Italy, and enjoyed a luncheon together, referred to as their "birthday club." Maggie had a heart of gold with a strong and dynamic personality.

Maggie was affectionately referred to as "The Ravioli Lady", as she loved to cook her authentic and homemade Italian foods and would make 500 handmade raviolis during Christmas season to give to her family and friends. Her children and grandchildren have taken with that tradition and have enjoyed many of her wonderful recipes. Maggie was one of the original women who started the now famous St. Elizabeth's Italian Spaghetti Dinners.

Surrounded by her family, Maggie died peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2014, at Serenity Assisted Living Center, Dilworth, at ninety-eight years of age.

Maggie is lovingly survived by her children, Michael (Cheryl) Oliver, Lincoln, NE, and Marcia Olivieri (John) Hough, Fargo; five grandchildren, Michael (Judy) Oliver, Danielle (Brad) Swerczek, Mike Empting, Jacquie (Steve) Molstre, and Mark Empting,; three step-grandchildren, Dustin Hough, Paige (Dave) Benson, and Quinn Hough; ten great-grandchildren, Baylie, Thomas, Alex, Andrew, Katelyn, Michael, Kinzie, Keasha, Kayla, and Joey; and three step-great-grandchildren, Elijah, Sam, and Vivi.

In addition to her parents and husband, Maggie was preceded in death by her sisters, Millie Nicholas, Mary Valentino, and Laura Costello; and brothers, Joe Altobelli and John Altobell.

Maggie's family would like to acknowledge their appreciation to the caregivers that have taken such good care of Maggie these past few years, the Essentia Health Family Practice and the ER staff that treated her like family while providing such good care, the staff of Serenity Assisted Living for their compassion, and Hospice of the Red River Valley for their comfort these past few days.

Visitation for Maggie will be Monday, October 27, 2014, from 5 - 7 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM, in St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Dilworth.

The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, October 28, 2014, at 11 AM, in St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Following a traditional Italian meal, burial will take place in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead.