Olive Cotta Weems

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother entered eternal life with the Lord on May 1, 2026 at age 96.

Olive was preceded in death by her loving husband, Eugene “Gene” Weems, her daughter, Susan, her brother Frank, and sisters Evelina, Mary Gomes, Genevieve Barcellos, and Alice Paine. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Beck and Carol Buchanan; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed by her unconditional love, steady faith, and gentle spirit.

A Southern California native, Olive spent her childhood on a dairy farm in Gardena with her parents, Frank and Maria, whom she lovingly called “Mãe and Pai,” Portuguese terms of endearment. Her family was deeply rooted in the Portuguese community and active in the Festas of the Holy Ghost. Olive often spoke with pride about how her father helped establish Hynes D.E.S., inspired by the Portuguese Holy Ghost celebrations that originated with Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal. Rooted in faith, charity, and feeding the poor during times of famine, the celebrations reflected the values of compassion, community, and generosity that remained important throughout Olive’s life.

The guiding light of Olive’s life was her unwavering Catholic faith and her devotion to Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. She prayed the Rosary faithfully, often twice each day, and kept a beautiful altar in her bedroom dedicated to the saints she loved so dearly. Her favorite saint was St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose simple and faithful spirit reflected Olive’s own life of humility, prayer, and love.

Nothing mattered more to Olive than her family. She cherished hosting holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, when family gathered at Olive and Gene’s home. Those celebrations were filled with warmth, laughter, faith, and love, and they remain treasured memories for all who shared them.

Olive had a gift for crocheting and lovingly made afghans for many members of her family. Those handmade treasures continue to provide comfort and serve as lasting reminders of her care and devotion. She first learned to crochet by making doilies alongside her mother-in-law, beginning a lifelong passion that brought joy to both her and those she loved.

She also found happiness in life’s simple pleasures, especially watching Steve Harvey on Family Feud, which never failed to make her smile and laugh.

Even in her later years, Olive remained active and spirited. She proudly drove herself to exercise classes at the Laguna Hills Community Center, where she was known as a vibrant participant. Later, while living at Sunrise Senior Living and using a wheelchair, she continued participating in exercise classes with enthusiasm. Her instructor often remarked that Olive “had rhythm,” a reflection of the joyful spirit she carried throughout her life.

One of the most meaningful moments of Olive’s life was when her husband Gene converted to Catholicism. Together, they renewed their wedding vows at St. Kilian Catholic Church in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary, followed by a joyful gathering surrounded by family and loved ones.

Olive loved deeply and completely. Her children, grandchildren, and growing family were the center of her world and brought her immeasurable pride and happiness. She also had a tender love for animals. When her daughter Linda would bring her beloved grand-pup, Twyla, to visit at Sunrise, Olive would gently pat her head while Twyla wagged her tail with happiness.

Olive leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, compassion, family, and devotion. Her life was full and joyful, and she was loved beyond measure. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now reunited with those who went before her and resting peacefully in the presence of the Lord she served so faithfully.

A Rosary Service will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 27231 Aliso Viejo Parkway, Aliso Viejo, California on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.

A reception following the Funeral Mass will take place at Fairhaven Memorial Services, 27856 Center Drive, Mission Viejo, California at 12:30 pm.

A private committal service will be held at Ascension Catholic Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Canyon Rd, Lake Forest, California.