Olivia Barulich

1927 - 2009

Olivia Barulich 1927 - 2009 Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 A.M. on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church for Olivia Barulich who passed away December 17 in Bakersfield. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery. Olivia was born to Joe and Mary Linnenbrink on January 18, 1927 in Wasco, CA. She met the love of her life, Francis, on a New Years Eve blind date, and they were married five months later on May 11, 1948. They settled in Buttonwillow where they spent the rest of their lives together, raising children and making friends. After her children were grown, Olivia became the librarian at the Kern County Library in Buttonwillow, where she worked for 25 years. Olivia cherished her family and her faith. She was an active parishioner at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Buttonwillow from 1948 until she moved to Bakersfield in 2003 and became a member of St. Philip the Apostle parish. Olivia loved family gatherings, and to her, "family" included everyone who came to the house. She would joyfully cook all day, preparing unforgettable feasts for any occasion. Christmas at Grandma's was a very special tradition that will live on in everyone's heart. Olivia will be dearly missed, but her everlasting legacy is the love and joy that she spread to everyone she met. Olivia was preceded in death by her husband, Francis and son, Michael. She is survived by her sister, Theresa Petersen; son, Pat Barulich; daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Bill Dean; son and daughter-in-law, Vincent and Sandra Barulich; son and daughter- in-law, Joey and Norma Barulich; daughter and son-in-law, Toni and Steve Cauzza; daughter and son-in-law, Chris and Joe Dougherty; grandchildren, Coby Barulich; Robby Dean; Kimberly Brown (Barulich); Carly Barulich; Stevi, Nicci and Alli Cauzza; Anthony Barulich; Zachary, Riley, and Jacob Dougherty. The family would like to give a special thanks to Pam Barsanti and extend their appreciation to Barbara, Lola and Steve and to Olivia's many other friends for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite Veterans organization. Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara