Olivia Olague

Olivia Olague

1951 - 2022

Olivia Olague, 71, passed away on December 11, 2022, in American Fork, Utah, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Olivia, known better to family and friends as "Birdie," was born to Florence Solorio and Frank P. Olague on September 10, 1951, in Calexico, California.

She graduated from Calexico High School in 1969 and had a fulfilling career as a dental assistant. Her work was a career she loved dearly, especially while working for Dr. Richard Farrell and later retiring from the Chuckawalla Valley State Prison. She married Juan Manuel Mendez and had two children, Arla and Benjamin. Olivia and Juan later divorced.

Her children and loved ones were her greatest treasures. She was absolutely thrilled to become a Nana to her seven grandchildren. She was an exemplary grandmother and was excited to help throw their birthday parties and provide oversized pinatas.

She found great joy in listening to oldies music, dancing and planning Class of '69 reunions. She regarded her classmates as family. She considered herself a daddy's girl and was a huge fan of John Wayne and Bruce Springsteen.

Always independent, Birdie enjoyed traveling, especially when she was driving. She appreciated the beauty and peace of the changing landscape as she drove from state to state.

Birdie loved people and made friends everywhere she went. She endeared herself to people, sharing her quick wit and contagious laughter.

Birdie is survived by her daughter, Arla (Jed) Cook, son Ben (Jessica) Olague and seven grandchildren: Olivia, Anthony, Jayden, Annika, Eliana, Adriana and Briana; brothers Frank (Sylvia) and Victor Olague. She was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Frank Olague and sister, Yvonne "Chacha" Cardona.

Please share a memory on Olivia's Tribute Wall at www.AndersonMortuary.com