Mrs. Oleson?
Was she supposed to be dead? Visiting a sick aunt? I can't imagine why she wouldn't be around to see the Mercantile get blown away.
shareNo, she wasn't dead. Nels had a throw away line about her being sick and at a hospital. I disagree with that throwaway line because Nels struck me as being the type of husband that'd be by his wife's side if she was sick enough she had to be in the hospital. Willie and Rachel could've taken care of the Mercantile and the restaurant. They really should've went the safe route and said she was staying with a sick relative.
And this might be a two faced answer because I truly enjoy the Harriet character, I'm kinda glad she wasn't in this movie. I have a hard time picturing Harriet blowing up the Mercantile or letting Nels blow it up if she'd been there. I think it packed more of a punch having Nels blow it up all on his own.