Lolita Oliver Morici

Our beloved Phyllis Olivera left earth for heaven on March 12th peacefully with her daughter and grandchildren by her side. Phyllis was born on July 14, 1940 in Santa Barbara and grew up on the Refugio property with the beach as her playground. She attended local schools and met the love-of-her-life, Richard Olivera. They were married for 57 years and had three children whom she was lovingly devoted to.

Phyllis was a selfless individual with a strong desire for lifelong learning. Family was her first passion and genealogy was her second. She spent 40 years researching the Olivera family Santa Barbara roots dating all the way back to the 1700s. She became the unofficial family historian.

She was an admired and loyal employee at Sansum Clinic and the pharmacy for 40 years and made lifelong friends there. Phyllis was best known for her candor, compassion and honesty. If you needed sound advice, she was the person to go to.

She was a very unique soul who touched many people’s lives and her spirit will never be forgotten. At Phyllis’ request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her memory. Phyllis had a big heart especially for the less fortunate.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Richard and Michael Olivera. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Burleigh, granddaughter Summer, great-granddaughters Bella and Alice, three brothers, Boyd (Joan), Curtis (Paulette) and Nelson Buck, brother-in-law, Art Olivera, nieces, Tamara and Michelle in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

We give our heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful staff at Cottage Hospital, who no only cared for her but the family as well and gently guided us all through her end-of-life transition.