Alma Nivia Olavarria

January 2, 1949 - March 15, 2010

Alma N. Olavarria nee Colon, age 61, of Merrillville, IN, passed away on Monday, March 15, 2010. She was born in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico to parents, Tomasa Diaz & Rafael Colon, Sr., who precede her in death. Alma is survived by her loving husband, Juan Olavarria Jr.; son, John Courtney Olavarria; and ten brothers and sisters: Raquel Colon, Norma Roberto Ceballos, Felix Diaz, Adrian Negron, Wilfredo Diaz, Rafael Luz Colon Jr., Martha Colon, Belinda John Galanos, Nelly Colon, and Gladys Colon. Funeral prayers will be said on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 10:30 AM at Geisen Funeral Home, 7905 Broadway, Merrillville, IN followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 8303 Taft St., Merrillville, IN with Rev. Peter Muha officiating. Interment to follow at McCool Cemetery, Portage, IN. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, March 19, 2010 from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at Geisen Funeral Home. Alma was a member of Our Lady of Consolation Church and Hermanas Unidas. She was formerly employed at Methodist Hospitals. Alma proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to: Loyola Transplant Program, Loyola Medical Center, 2160 S. First St., Maywood, IL 60153, Attn: L. Dusek. To share a memory or send a condolence to the family, please visit the guestbook section at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com. For more information call 219-769-3322.

Geisen Funeral Home

Light a candle Light a candle

Flowers & Gifts

Arrangements starting at $35

See Condolences

To Juan, John and your entire family. We pray that God gives you the strength you need to get through this terrible loss. Alma was a wonderful lady. She was kind and enjoyed life. We were so happy to see her attend our daughter's wedding in December. She was in good spirits and really enjoyed herself. We know that Alma is in a better place and is not suffering. May her memories be of comfort to you. Diego, Nancy, and Marisa De Astis Rosanna and Giuseppe Battista

John I had the pleasure of meeting your mother at your wedding and am truly sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you and your Dad. Tom

I so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family, please accept our most sincere condolences!!! David Barajas & family

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family, please accept My most sincere condolences.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our Deepest Sympathy to you Juan and John and the entire family on the loss of our beautiful Alma. May God give all of you the comfort and strength to continue life and remember that she will always be with us in mind, spirit and always in our hearts. I'll miss you Alma, I will always remember the Lightning at Norma's house. Love with all our hearts.

To Juan and Family, So sorry for your loss..we'll be praying for you. She was always a very kind and thoughtful person. May God Bless all of you. Love David Colon and Family

DEAR,COLON FAMILY MAY GOD COMFORT YOU ON YOUR LOSS, WE HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF THE CLOSENESS, AND FRIENDSHIP OUR FAMILIES SHARED GROWING UP TOGETHER. THE CAVADA FAMILY

We feel so fortunate that we were able to have seen Alma on Christmas. She was so vibrant and happy to be with the entire family that day...and as always, so kind to have extended an invitation to us although we could not to share the evening with all of you. She was a truly gentle and kind woman and she will be missed by so many.

I am very sad about Alma's health being so bad lately. I am glad that I saw her at Diane's 25th Anniversary, but I am also sorry that I was unable to see her at the hospital when mom and Diane went to see her. I know this is a very difficult time for family, especially you and Johnny. I wish you both the best, and maybe I will see you at the service on Saturday morning. Hugs and kisses to everyone. Love Googoo

My prayers are with you, Mr. Olavarria. I always admired your dedicated love and concern you showed and gave to your wife. We miss you here at Lew Wallace and we are here for you.

My sister Diane and I were in quite a glorious position, holding onto Alma's soul as it prepares for the final passage to our heavenly Father. With the power of the Holy Spirit so present in the room, it was revealed to me the awesome journey Alma was nearing, the further she slipped away. I repeatedly told her as we stood by her bedside "it's all good" the Holy Spirit is here I could feel it; I hoped she could see it! I knew from the awesome Presence in the room she was going home. A smile never left my face; I was so excited for her as tear stream down my face. I told Alma, even though I knew she couldn't hear me anymore, the angels would guide her the rest of the way home! With her last breath, I knew she was finally at rest. As nurses took the machine out of the room, I could once again feel the cool air, my heart was heavy, my tears rolling down, and the colors around me were bland. We were all in pain, but knowing the decision made was the best. Alma was gone and now through the gates of Heaven she joins the rest of her family, waiting for her there. Alma was a survivor and God gave us joy in having her among us. Thank you Juan and Johnny for caring for her the years she was with you. Love Cousin Iris Colon Lucio & Fa.

To Juan and the entire family, our deepest condolences from the Felix family. Alma rests in the saviors arms. God Bless! Anita

We are grateful to have shared some time with her at the wedding. She was filled with joy and grateful to the Lord for the blessings in her life. Our condolences to the family. We share your pain.

Juan, My dear cousin, so so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and the family. She was truly a wonderful kind person. Take Care & Be Strong. Cousin Beth

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.