Barbara Jean Olivotto (Flaherty), 73, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away peacefully, after a lengthy illness, on the morning of November 20, 2022, surrounded by family. Barb was born on June 3, 1949, in Hammond, Indiana, to John and Dorothy (Dewes) Flaherty. Barb grew up with her four siblings in Hammond, attending St. Joe’s CatholicContinue Reading
Barbara Jean Olivotto (Flaherty), 73, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away peacefully, after a lengthy illness, on the morning of November 20, 2022, surrounded by family.
Barb was born on June 3, 1949, in Hammond, Indiana, to John and Dorothy (Dewes) Flaherty. Barb grew up with her four siblings in Hammond, attending St. Joe’s Catholic School and graduating from Bishop Noll Institute, in 1967.
As a child, Barb loved spoiling the family cat Ginger, with the two often sneaking into the kitchen for a late night snack. She was a girl who enjoyed television and movies and was once asked to leave a movie theater for laughing too loudly.
On July 18, 1987, Barb married Donald Olivotto, making their home in Griffith, Indiana. Barb and Don were happily joined in marriage for many years, until Don’s passing in June of 2000. During their marriage, Barb was the epitome of a devoted wife, taking exceptional care of Don in times of both sickness and health.
Barb loved her nieces and nephews. When they were young, they could always count on Aunt Barb to read them a story or two, out on Grandpa’s and Grandma’s porch.
Throughout her life, Barb encountered multiple challenges, but she faced each new obstacle with faith, persistence, and strength (along with a dash of German stubbornness).
Barb was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her parents John and Dorothy, infant brother John Henry, niece Patty Flaherty, and brothers-in-law Joseph Allegrette, and James Kallen. Left to cherish Barb’s memory are her siblings, Ruth (late James) Kallen, Mary (late Joseph) Allegrette, Joseph (Margo) Flaherty, Rosalyn (Dennis) McNeiley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Barb will be remembered for her sparkling blue eyes and for always saying a prayer for those around her.
Services for Barb will be held on Monday, November 28 2022, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 5304 Hohman Ave, Hammond, Indiana 46320. Visitation will be for the immediate family from 9:00AM-9:30AM and for the general public from 9:30AM-10:00AM. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00AM. Interment will follow at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 8178 S Cline Ave, Crown Point, Indiana 46307.
Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in Barb’s memory to your favorite animal shelter, soup kitchen, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Judy (Dewes) Jones
left a message on November 27, 2022:
In loving memory of my first cousin. My heartfelt condolences to all of Barb's immediate family. Love, Judy
Margie
left a message on November 27, 2022:
Barbara was my husband Gil’s Godchild. We moved to Minnesota in 1958
so hadn’t seen her for many years.
My Sympathy to the family.
Love,
Aunt Margie
Marilynn Kallen
left a message on November 27, 2022:
You will be missed. You were my angel. Thanks for being there for me.
With deepest sympathy. Sending prayers of comfort and peace to you and your family. ??
Family
left a message on November 23, 2022:
In memory of Barbara J. Olivotto, Family lit a candle
Robert Kallen
left a message on November 23, 2022:
My best memories of Aunt Barb will always be her reading us the Selfish Giant in the living room at Grandmas house. I hope you are in paradise reading to everyone there. We always loved you.
https://americanliterature.com/author/oscar-wilde/short-story/the-selfish-giant
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Judy (Dewes) Jones
left a message on November 27, 2022:
In loving memory of my first cousin. My heartfelt condolences to all of Barb's immediate family. Love, Judy
Margie
left a message on November 27, 2022:
Barbara was my husband Gil’s Godchild. We moved to Minnesota in 1958
so hadn’t seen her for many years.
My Sympathy to the family.
Love,
Aunt Margie
Marilynn Kallen
left a message on November 27, 2022:
You will be missed. You were my angel. Thanks for being there for me.
With deepest sympathy. Sending prayers of comfort and peace to you and your family. ??
Family
left a message on November 23, 2022:
In memory of Barbara J. Olivotto, Family lit a candle
Robert Kallen
left a message on November 23, 2022:
My best memories of Aunt Barb will always be her reading us the Selfish Giant in the living room at Grandmas house. I hope you are in paradise reading to everyone there. We always loved you.
https://americanliterature.com/author/oscar-wilde/short-story/the-selfish-giant
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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