Who was Olivia Raya...

She was an example of inspiration. In times of sorrow, she still shined with her smile and brought out the positives in every situation even little jokes to make those feel better. If she was having a bad day or was in a bout with someone, those around her may be upset with what was going on but she would still smile and say, "Maybe they're having a bad day." Or say, "oh well, it doesn't matter."

She was a woman to look up to because she strived not only for herself, but to be an example for her sisters and mother. She knew the responsibility of being an oldest sibling and the impact that that had on her sisters. As a child, she would always sacrifice herself so her sisters wouldn't be hurt; even if that meant that her sisters would in the end be on top. No matter how mad they may have made her, she would come back and say the silliest remark and laugh and the situation would change instantly. She would be happy to help them with any advice, hairstyle, make-up trend or even watch their favorite movie, if she know it would make them happy.

She was selfless and gave all she could to anyone she could just to let them smile and have a better day. She was the most beautiful woman I ever knew — not only on the outside where she was able to always make herself more beautiful with every new look, but her heart was so beautiful that those who barely knew her wanted to be around her and in passing you would always remember that beautiful woman who didn't seem to have a care in the world or notice those who was watching her in admiration. Having the most beautiful smile and the shyest laugh that you just wanted to embrace her and lift her up to spread her joy.

She was a leader and the kind of person that did what it had to be done to complete any and every obstacle in front of her and not only did she do that, she would be sure not to leave others behind to face failure or embarrassment.

Most of all she was a friend in every definition of the word. To be one woman and to have touched the lives of I would say hundreds of people that would stand in the street in the cold night of December just to say their last goodbye says a lot about someone.

This is how I describe my beautiful cousin Olivia Raya, my inspiration, an example of life, a true leader and selfless friend.

I am writing this letter with regard to my niece, Olivia Raya! Its my honor to tell you about my niece.

Olivia as a child, always had the biggest bright smile with dimples! She had very long black hair. She'd always grin from ear to ear and say, "Hi, Aunt Kathy!" Olivia was, however, at times, very shy!

As Olivia grew older, she grew even more beautiful! Which was hard to imagine that she could be more beautiful than she already was. She was beautiful inside and out. She LOVED family, she LOVED her parents, sisters and their children. Olivia hoped to have children of her own some day.

Olivia was glamorous! She loves nails, makeup, hair and jewelry! She always looked like she walked straight off of the set of Vogue. With little effort, she glowed.

Olivia was a giving, loving person. The coolest thing about "Liv" is how important education was to her. She reached her goal when she graduated from Rockhurst. You'd always hear of her working full time and going to school. She was driven because she believed in education.

Olivia is and always will be with us. Her spirit is very much alive.

I hope this tells you a bit about "Olivia Raya".

As lifelong friends of her parents, I had the pleasure of watching Olivia grow up from infancy. She was always a determined, self-sufficient, respectful, family-oriented person who was a friend to anyone in need. Olivia enjoyed life. She was always a dedicated member of her church and of her family, playing an important role in the lives of her nieces and nephews by helping her sister, a single mother, raise them. Olivia left her entire estate to her niece/goddaughter to ensure that she will be able to go to college without having to work and struggle to pay her own way as Olivia did.

Following Olivia's death, her parents heard many stories of how Olivia was a friend to and a support for many people of all ages. She encouraged her friends and acquaintances to take the next step, go further, fulfill their dreams. Olivia had many such friends at the Blue Cross/Blue Shield office where she worked and at school where she put herself through the requirements for her Bachelors degree. She was a volunteer for Catholic Charities. To this day, almost four years after her death, her parents still meet people who tell of how Olivia impacted their lives. It was characteristic of Olivia that she did all of this without making it known even to her family. She was kind, modest and loving.

I believe in two things. That each of us was placed on this earth for a particular reason, and we each know an angel. I believe Olivia was placed on earth for a short time to fulfill a quest for God. All who knew Olivia, whether by friendship or family, was not a coincidence, but by the wave of God's hand, as part of His mission for Olivia.

Olivia died, as she was born — through innocence. One can say that Olivia's innocence was a good trait. her parents instilled virtues of faith, love and charity and Olivia used those virtues as stepping-stones to pave her way of life. Her faith was strong in God. She proved many times over, her faith was strong in her religion. She never told a lie, no matter what the outcome. She demonstrated love on a daily basis. As the eldest daughter, sister, aunt, and godmother, her life was full of love for her family and friends. Always making herself accessible to anyone who needed her.

Olivia's heart had room for charity, leading her to give of her time to those less fortunate. Olivia truly believed she was the richest person alive, but it wasn't monetary riches. Olivia's quest that earned her wings, was to educate her family, and friends in faith, love and charity. A job well done!!!