1933
Shirley
2024
Shirley Marion Olivieri
May 28, 1933 — April 9, 2024
Mount Pleasant
Shirley was born on May 28, 1933 in Williamsville, NY to William Okal and Marion (Hildebrand) Okal. She fondly remembers growing up in Springville, NY close to many relatives. She and her husband Tulio Olivieri of Dunkirk, NY married on September 25, 1954 and had 4 children together. They raised their family in Upper Saddle River, NJ.
Shirley and Tulio met while they were both enrolled in the music education department at SUNY Fredonia. They married shortly after Tulio graduated from college and joined the Air Force. Although Shirley didn't finish her college education, she was a huge musical influence on her children as 3 of the 4 of them went on to major in music! She played clarinet and arranged many pieces for the clarinet quartet of which she was a member. Besides being a musician, Shirley was also an accomplished quilter. One of her quilts won her first place in a local competition. She had such an eye for matching fabrics and loved the challenge of finding just the right colors and patterns to go together.
Shirley was a quiet, humble person with a big heart. Upon her passing, her granddaughter Cloie wrote this fitting tribute: "My heart is full as I remember all the great times I had with my grandma. She was a very special lady who will always be in our hearts. I think back to my childhood and feel so grateful to call her my grandmother. She was so kind and understanding and thought of everyone over herself. We lost her a few years ago to dementia, but regardless, her humor and kindness shined through. I've missed you for years, but today I feel you are at peace and so are we. Love always and forever grandma. Rest in peace with grandpa and your puppies."
Shirley is pre-deceased by her husband, Tulio, and her parents William and Marion Okal. She is survived by her 4 children: daughter Christine, daughter Anne and husband Kim, son Thomas and wife Debbie and daughter Catherine and husband John. She is also survived by her 3 siblings: William and wife MaryAnn, Gretchen and Margorie. She had 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Shirley wanted a private burial service after cremation where she will be placed with her beloved husband, Tulio. Memorial contributions can be made to the Blawenburg Band of Blawenburg, NJ.
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