Grace Marie Oliva

Grace Marie Oliva, a devoted daughter, beloved cousin, and treasured friend, passed away surrounded by love and family. She was born to Mary and Joseph Oliva, and from the very beginning, she brought warmth, kindness, and compassion into the lives of everyone she met.

Grace had a gentle soul and a selfless heart. She spent much of her life caring for others, especially her mother, Mary, and her aunt, whom she lovingly supported until their passing. A dedicated professional, Grace worked as an executive secretary and retired early in order to give her full attention to caring for her mother.

Grace never married or had children of her own, but her love for family knew no bounds. Her cousin Ben was like a brother to her, and she shared a special bond with her cousin Frank, who never missed a birthday and always greeted her with a cheerful, “Happy 100th birthday!”

One of the greatest joys in Grace’s life came later on, in the form of a little boy named Yousef Remam. At just two years old, Yousef captured Grace’s heart. She called him her “cookie,” and their days together—watching Judge Judy and taking cozy cat naps—became some of her most cherished moments. Yousef carried the name of Grace’s father, which deepened their connection. To Yousef, she was Aunty Grace, and to her, he was pure light and love.

Grace was also incredibly close with Reda Remam, whom she called the son she never had, and Maria Remam, her dear family friend and house manager. These bonds were deep and meaningful, providing Grace with both companionship and comfort.

She will be remembered as an “earth angel”—someone whose quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and loving nature made the world a better place.

Grace is preceded in death by her beloved grandparents Benedetto and Maria (Bongivani) Oliva, and her parents Joseph and Mary Oliva.

She is lovingly remembered by her extended family:

Uncles & Aunts:

Salvatore J. Oliva (Antoinette “Lena”)

Joseph Oliva (Augustina “Esther”)

Dominick “Tootsie” Olivia (Victoria “Vicky”)

Vincent “Charlie” Olivia (Sandra)

Nicholas Olivia Sr. (Josephine “Josie”)

Frances Oliva

First Cousins:

Nicholas Olivia Jr. (Donna)

Francis “Frank” A. Oliva (Carmen)

Benjamin Frank Oliva

Judith “Judy” Landoch (Frank)

Marsha Lupo (Salvadore “Sal”)

Marie Dunlop (Alan)

Vincent Olivia

Mary Jane

Benjamin S. Oliva (Eugenie “Genie”)

Second Cousins:

Christopher P. Oliva (Sara)

Richard Oliva (deceased)

Jason Oliva (Sara Elizabeth)

Justin Oliva (Jacqueline)

Mallory Olivia

Alex Norwood

Tyler Olivia (Kayleigh)

Zacchary Olivia

Matthew Olivia

Paul Olivia

Kristy Mikol

Dominick Mikol

Close friends and caregivers:

Maria Remam

Yousef Remam, her beloved “cookie”

Reda Remam, the son she never had

Janice Dietz

Georgina and Sandra, her devoted caregivers

Grace will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to be loved by her.

A visitation for Grace will be held Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish & Church, 6020 W Ardmore Ave, Chicago, IL 60646. A funeral mass will immediately follow at 11:00am. An entombment will occur Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at St Adalbert Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums, 6800 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714.