Concepcion Ollivier

The seventh child of 11 siblings, Concepcion Ollivier was born on December 8th, 1936, in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico to parents Anastacio Ramos and Cruz Aguirre who were both of Spanish descent. Concepcion lost her mother at an early age, which deeply affected her view on life and its fragility. She subsequently embraced living a life rich in experiences and a commitment to make the most out of her life.

At 25 years of age, she married Enrique Ollivier and migrated to Vermillion, where Enrique taught as a professor of languages at the University of South Dakota. They had four daughters together: Elizabeth, Lucy, Sandra, and Conchita. Concepcion remained very connected to her home country, traditional Mexican customs, and Catholic values; she loved to travel and visit her family in Mexico every summer. She felt strongly about providing her daughters with an appreciation for their Mexican roots as part of a culturally immersive experience, raising them to be bilingual in Spanish and English.

Concepcion was a philanthropist and advocate, passionate about many moral, social, and global issues. She was a strong advocate for refugees, all marginalised communities, and the disadvantaged. She was a common sight in town rallies, making sure to always be doing her part with the aid of a picket sign. Her hobbies included the arts, travel, fashion, cooking, volunteering with the church, and advocacy.

Once her older daughters went to college, Concepcion took part in art classes at the University of South Dakota to experience a bit of college life herself. After Enrique retired, the family moved to Miami where Concepcion enrolled in night classes, learning basic computer skills and driving skills at 60 years of age. She proudly bought her own car and drove herself to church independently.

The years in Miami were vibrant years for Concepcion; she was socially active in the multicultural communities and fully embraced the experience of being a first-time grandmother. Once the grandkids were a little older, Concepcion went on to travel. She made many trips around the world, participating in religious pilgrimages in Jerusalem and visiting family in Australia. She was excited to try new cuisine from all over the world, even eagerly trying wallaby in Tasmania.

In the latter years of her life, Concepcion lived in Clovis, California in close proximity to her daughters. There, she was very involved with the local Catholic Church community which she loved. Her relationship with her sons-in-laws (Alvaro, Russ, Fernando and Sam) and their families was truly something special; she enjoyed travelling and celebrating holidays with them as if they had always been family. Concepcion played an integral role in the upbringing of all her grandchildren: Isabella, Alvaro Jr., Emily, Alexandria, Giavanna, Sofia, Adam, Ollie, and Zara. She was always there to give advice and share her infinite wisdom with her family.

Even up to her 85 years of age, Concepcion was an energetic character. She was social by nature and loved learning new things, particularly when it included getting to know people and their stories. Everywhere she went, she left a following of friends due to her caring and charismatic nature—she would easily make a friend standing in line at the supermarket. She was passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and felt strongly about preserving the environment. Concepcion was known for her strong convictions, witty sayings, wicked sense of humour, and also for being a self-sacrificing individual. She truly lived a full life.

On February 17th, 2022, Concepcion passed away peacefully in her sleep with a rosary in her hand. Her final resting place will be alongside her beloved husband in Saltillo, Coahuila Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Concepcion's memory may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 929 Harvard Avenue, Clovis, California US, www.olphclovis.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Ollivier family.