Olga Elvira Gamarra

Olga passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, in her son's home in Covina, CA, at the age of 98. Born in Peru to Benigno Montes and Elvira Galvez de Montes, she grew up in a loving family and carried that love with her throughout her long and beautiful life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alejandro Gamarra; her son, Ivan Gamarra; and her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her children, Jose Gamarra of Covina, CA, and Ana Morris of Glendora, CA; her sister, Nelly Urbina of Seal Beach; her brother, Augusto Llamas of Orlando, FL; five grandchildren, Micheal Duran, Melissa Duran, Paul Gamarra, Ivan Gamarra, Alexis Gamarra; and three great grandchildren, Aspen, Arbor, and Aisley Craig.

As a young married woman, Olga (and her husband) made the courageous decision to leave Peru in search of better opportunities for her children and to ease her son's battle with asthma. Upon arriving in the United States, she embodied resilience and an unwavering work ethic. She worked as a seamstress, a beautician, and ultimately built a long and meaningful career as a nurse assistant. In every role, she brought dedication, skill, and a deep sense of care for others.

Olga was gifted with her hands and her imagination. She loved sewing, knitting, and crocheting, creating countless bespoke outfits for family and friends. She had a natural flair for fashion—so much so that her niece Ana affectionately called her "Tía Poofie," after a Peruvian celebrity known for style and glamour. Her children proudly inherited her sense of elegance and creativity.

She loved to dance, to cook, and above all, to be surrounded by her family. In her later years, Olga went everywhere with her children, and everyone affectionately called her Mami. She knew every restaurant in town, and every waiter knew her—her warmth and humor made her unforgettable. She was also a beloved member of the local gym, Nifty After Fifty, where she inspired others with her energy, humor, and kindness. Her gym friends cherished her friendship, humor, and admired her spirit.

Olga will be remembered as a loving, generous, intelligent, wise, and beautiful woman who brought joy to every life she touched. Her legacy lives on in her family, her traditions, and the countless memories she created.

A niche side service will be conducted at 12 p.m. Friday, January 16, at Forest Lawn - Covina Hills.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled and announced at a future date.