Oliva

Mary P. Oliva, 88, who resided at the Chenango Memorial Nursing Home in Norwich, N.Y., formerly of Cabot, passed away the morning of Sept. 8 after a long illness.

Our mother, Mary, was born Feb. 28, 1923, in Arnold. Her father, Ceasar Proetti, and mother, Ermilinda, were Italian immigrants. Our mother had one brother, Augi Proetti, deceased, and one surviving sister, Rena Ritzert.

Our mother, Mary, was placed in a Catholic orphanage after the loss of her mother when she was only 7 years old. At the age of 15, she returned home to live with her father, Ceasar.

She very quickly became acquainted with her neighbor, Vincent L. Oliva, who she married May 19, 1942. Our mom and dad spent 62 wonderful years together until our father passed on April 29, 2005. They were truly blessed with an amazing love for each other.

This incredibly loving woman we called Mom was able to manage to love her husband and her children so deeply and perfectly because her life was guided by her Lord and savior. Her faith sustained her throughout her lifetime, and we treasure the example she set for us.

Mom gave birth to five children. She is survived by four, Robert Oliva and his partner, Jayne Bianco, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Vincent Oliva and his wife, Darlene, of Nederland, Texas, Donna Menkin and her husband, Robert, of Groves, Texas, and Jeanne Brightman and her husband, Rick, of Norwich. Sadly, her son Donald Oliva died suddenly Jan. 8, 2007. His wife and children reside in Palm Coast, Fla.

Mom was blessed with 19 surviving grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Her grandson, Michael Oliva, died of a long illness in June of this year.

Although we are sad for all of our tomorrows that will be spent without her, our admiration and respect for the woman that she was will certainly never end.

We love and miss you Mom. May you rest in peace.