Phyllis Jean Olivera

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 who she was lovingly devoted to.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Richard and Michael. 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 other nieces and nephews.

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

She was admired and loyal employee at Sansum Clinic and Pharmacy for forty years and made lifelong friends. Phyllis was best known for her candor and honesty but with compassion. If you needed sound advice she was the person you needed.

A unique soul who touched many and will never be forgotten.

At Phyllis’ request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her memory. Phyllis has a big heart especially for the less fortunate.

We give a heartfelt thanks to all of the wonderful staff at Cottage Hospital who not only cared for her but us as well and gently guided all through her end of life transition.