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Maria Oliva Obituary
She was born August 31, 1960 in Napoli, Italy, to Angela and Salvatore Grassano. The eldest among her sister and two brothers, Maria and her family emigrated to the United States in the 1970s, settling in Chicago, where the roots of her family would blossom even further after meeting her (late) husband, Juan "John" Oliva, with whom she had two children: Lauren (Jon) and Jason (Audrey).
Maria spent much of her professional life in the seniors housing and care industry, serving countless older adults and their loved ones in her various management and executive positions, notably and most recently with the Chicago-based company Pathway to Living, where she worked until her retirement to North Carolina in 2022.
With her fiancé Mark Johnson, Maria's visions of retirement included relaxing in a nice home on the water, where they could enjoy the lake and all of its beautiful surroundings-a place their families could visit and make new memories for the rest of their lives.
An avid traveler, Maria's curiosity to experience new places, people, and cultures knew no borders. Her frequent travel companion, her sister Silvana Davis, fondly remembers both her hastiness and attention to detail that would make even a drill sergeant blush. But above all, it will be Maria's company and go-getter spirit that will be missed most, but remembered dearly.
Known affectionately as "Nonna", Maria loved spending time, sharing laughs, and making memories with her four grandchildren: Gianluca (7), Gabriella (4), Julian (3), and Alessandra (1), as well as the grandchildren of her fiancé Mark.
A memorial service will be held for family and friends on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Evanston Golf Club: 4401 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 60076 from 1-4pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The American Stroke Association at www.stroke.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Theresa Contreras
February 21, 2024
I remember one Christmas that she bought me the most beautiful earrings the were silver. I still have them and were there to this day. When ever I spoke to Aunt Maria she would aways listen and she spoke to peacefully to me as a kid. She will be forever missed.
Silvana chavez
February 15, 2024
I knew Maria as a teenager in Bridegport. In our group, Maria was the first to acomplish milestones which lead to adulthood. Maria was the first to graduate from high school and get a real job. She was the first to buy a car and buy designer clothes. She was our leader during the disco era. We had great fun with Marina! May you rest in peace.
Inga Scheckel
February 15, 2024
I am a friend of Mark´s, who was the best man at my wedding. When my husband passed away, Mark encouraged me to join his grief group. That is where I met Maria. I don´t know when their romance blossomed but I´m glad they gave each other joy for the last 10 years or so. I´m sad I didn´t get a chance to know Maria better, but I really liked what I did know. My sympathies to the family and Mark.
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Julia Milne
February 7, 2024
Working for Maria was a profound pleasure! Her passion and love for seniors was always at the forefront in everything she did and you knew it...my biggest memory working with Maria is when she came to the community I worked in and she said to me" Julia, just look up" as she was walking down the hallway and I had no clue what she meant until she pointed to a few cobwebs.... To this day that is what I still do is "look up" and now I will be looking up at Maria too!
My condolences to all her family....
Annette Knight
February 4, 2024
The presence that Maria possessed warranted your attention and brought you to think of how you could be better and do more to enhance your craft as it related to the senior industry. My deepest condolences to the family and friends.
Miller General Dentistry
January 31, 2024
Maria was our patient at Miller General Dentistry. She was so kind and her smile was contagious. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark and family.
Ida e Paola
January 31, 2024
Ciao Maria, sei stata per noi una grande cugina, sorella, amica. Abbiamo passato momenti bellissimi insieme sia da piccole che da grandi nei nostri viaggi annuali. Rimarrai per sempre nei nostri ricordi e non ti dimenticheremo mai.
Riposa in pace.
Andrea Kruger
January 30, 2024
Maria was my first boss in HR and I learned a lot from her. She ran a very smooth and successful team, always being supportive. My favorite memory of Maria is hearing her fun stories of her young children while in our one on one meetings in the office. She was always so proud of them. I´m so sorry for your loss and may her memory be a blessing. Deepest condolences.
Kate Bertram
January 29, 2024
I had the great privilege of working for Maria at Pathway to Living. It was her passion to change the way we deliver care and services from the status quo to purpose and meaningful. Today, I am a better leader because of her. She will be missed greatly.
Carol Minarik
January 29, 2024
I remember Maria as one of my first neighbors in our new subdivision. We had children of similar ages, and had wonderful conversations. I also was her son´s 5th grade teacher, and every Christmas I think of her when I put the glass slipper ornament she bought for me for Christmas. I walked through her home the day she was moving, and we reminisced about her time in that home. I was sad to see her leave Long Ave. May she rest in peace. I will miss her.
Lisa Rogers
January 29, 2024
I will always cherish our time together! The countless ways she influenced or improved any situation that was brought to her was inspiring! Maria´s insight made you realize that we could always do better in every interaction. My deepest sympathies to her family and my heartbreaks for all of her Pathway family! Rest easy my dear friend!
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