Mrs. Katherine Olvera

Katherine Olvera, age 90, was born in Jackson, California where she lived until her move to Stockton in her teen years. She was a graduate of Stockton High School and attended Stockton College. In 1942 Katherine joined the Civil Air Patrol, a non-profit auxiliary of the United States Air Force, which did search and rescue missions. During this time she learned to fly. She was cofounder of the Stockton Mexican Chamber of Commerce in 1971 where she served as a board member and worked as their secretary. She also helped start the National Mexican American Chamber of Commerce in 1973 where she also worked as secretary. Katherine belonged to the American Business Women’s Association for several years and became woman of the year in 1987. She worked for Stockton Unified School District for over 20 years and was a business owner for many years in Stockton. Katherine loved education and continued taking classes at the local college well into the later years of her life. She also loved the arts as well as traveling the world. She made many friends wherever she went. Katherine was preceded in death by her loving husband, David. She is survived by her three children, Chuck (Diana) Olvera, Nancy (Mark) Lucas, and Patty (Eric) Cordoba; six grandchildren, David and Paul Olvera, Christopher DeGrande, Jennifer Lucas, Christina and Courtney Cordoba; three great grandchildren, Jefferey, Jacob and Jordyn Olvera. She is also survived by several brothers and sisters (she was one of eleven children) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.