Olivia Ferreras

Beloved Matriarch, Restaurateur, and Community Treasure

Olivia Ferreras, 81, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Temecula, California, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 10, 1943, in Cañadas de Obregón, Jalisco, Mexico, Olivia Gomez grew up in a very large close-knit family rooted in tradition and Catholic faith. As a young child, she moved with her family to Tijuana before immigrating to the United States as a teenager. She graduated from San Diego High School in 1962 and set out to create a life marked by love, resilience, and generosity, though her greatest defining trait was her unwavering perseverance.

In 1964, Olivia married the love of her life, Eduardo Ferreras, at The Immaculata Catholic Church in San Diego. Together, they raised three children and cultivated a life grounded in hard work and dedication—to one another, to their family, and to their community. Their marriage, which spanned more than six decades, was a source of inspiration—full of joy, courage, and grace—and the foundation of a home that welcomed generations of loved ones with open arms.

In March of 1982, after years of dedication in the restaurant industry, Olivia achieved a lifelong dream by opening Murrieta's Mexican Restaurant in Bonita, California. A proud American, Olivia deeply loved her adopted country and often expressed gratitude for the opportunities it afforded her. Founding her own business was more than a personal milestone—it was the fulfillment of her American dream. What began as a leap of faith quickly blossomed into a much-loved local institution. On opening day, the response from the community was so overwhelming that the restaurant ran out of food—a moment that foretold decades of success and deep community connection. Murrieta’s became far more than a restaurant; it was a gathering place for families and friends to celebrate milestones and share meals made with love. Olivia’s recipes nourished generations, but it was her grace and elegance that truly set the tone. Under her guidance, Murrieta’s fostered an environment where employees became extended family—many remaining with the business since its inception.

A woman of deep Catholic faith and elegant presence, Olivia was known for her warmth and unwavering kindness. She was the heart of her large family—a source of wisdom and comfort whose influence will continue to resonate through every shared meal and tradition.

Olivia is survived by her loving husband, Eduardo Ferreras; devoted daughters Maggie Mathias and Caroline Toth; son-in-law Jimm Toth; and adoring grandchildren Ethan Mathias, Katie McArdle (Miles), Emily Mathias, Broderick Toth, Wyatt Toth, Sawyer Toth, Karlio Ferreras (Andrea), Calvin Ferreras, and Camille Ferreras. She is also survived by seven of her twelve siblings and dozens of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Antonio and Virginia Gomez; four brothers; one sister; and her dear son Luis, who passed away in 2013.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Little Chapel of the Roses at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, located at 3838 Bonita Road in Bonita, California.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 12:00 PM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church at 293 H Street in Chula Vista. Burial will follow at Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary at 1:30 PM.

Olivia’s legacy lives on through her cherished daughters and grandchildren, in every dish served at Murrieta’s, and in the countless lives she touched with her warmth and hospitality. She will be profoundly missed by her husband, family, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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