Olivia Tonascia

Olivia Lucille Tonascia

March 6, 1925 - May 21, 2025

Santa Maria, California

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Olivia Lucille Tonascia, who passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025, in Arroyo Grande, California, at the age of 100.

Born in Hanford California on March 6, 1925, to Antonio and Emilia Dalla Costa, Olivia lived most of her life as a resident of Santa Maria and a proud member of the area's Swiss Italian community. She was raised with strong values of hard work, faith, and family-principles she carried with her throughout her long and beautiful life.

On June 11, 1955, Olivia married the love of her life, Joseph Tonascia. Together, they shared 52 years of marriage filled with love, devotion, and shared purpose until Joseph's passing in 2007. Their home was a place where family gathered, traditions were honored, and love was abundant.

A woman of deep commitment and many talents, Olivia was a 70-year member of both the Catholic Daughters and the Native Daughters of the Golden West. She worked for over 40 years as a produce buyer for the Ed Pryer Company in the Santa Maria Valley. Olivia was also an accomplished seamstress who generously shared her skills as a 4-H sewing instructor, inspiring young learners. With a family full of athletes, she was a passionate sports fan, faithfully cheering on her children and grandchildren from the sidelines and stands.

She is survived by her children: Joseph Tonascia (Karen), Louisa Tonascia, David Tonascia (Mari), and Robert Tonascia (Tina); her grandchildren: Emily Burley (Kevin), Joey Tonascia, Jacob Tonascia (Jessica), Toby Tonascia, Katie Tonascia, Joshua Tonascia (Brooke), John Tonascia, Kayla Tonascia, and Natalie Tonascia; and her great-grandchildren: Samuel Tonascia, Luke Tonascia, and Bethany Burley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio and Emilia Dalla Costa; her beloved husband, Joseph Tonascia; and her siblings, Michael Dalla Costa, Alma Prickett, and Edwin Dalla Costa.

Olivia's life was defined by quiet strength, kindness, and a deep love for her family. Whether she was tending to her garden, preparing home-cooked meals, or simply offering a listening ear, Olivia was a source of comfort and stability to all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved and inspired.

A celebration of Olivia's life will be held at 10:30 am on Friday June 6th 2025 at Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary in Santa Maria followed by a reception at the Santa Maria Elk's lodge. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to a charity of your choice.

Olivia Lucille Tonascia lived a full and generous life, and her legacy of love, faith, and family will continue to bless all who were fortunate to know her.