Harriet Oliva

Harriet Oliva, 90, of Hot Springs Village passed away peacefully on November 16, 2011 after a long courageous battle with cancer. She and her husband Tom began visiting the Village in the early 1970's and retired here in 1990. She loved living in the Village and developed a wide social circle and many dear friendships. She was a long time member of the HSV Duffers, and the St. Jude's Guild of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Harriet participated in the Women's Club, the Pathways Singles and several bowling leagues. She was a wonderful hostess and enjoyed entertaining friends and neighbors, hosting many game nights and parties. Harriet was born in Chicago to French immigrants Pierre and Clemence (Chevalier) Gaston. After graduating from high school in Chicago, she attended secretarial school. She married in 1941 and went to work in a war plant while her husband served in WWII. After the war, they worked together to establish F. Oliva & Sons in Chicago. Harriet retired from a twenty-five year career at Allied Van Lines, as a supervisor in their accounting department. Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband Thomas Oliva; brothers: Maurice and Art Gaston, sister Marie Clayton and their spouses. She is survived by her son, Thomas Oliva and his wife Sharon Rossiter of Hot Springs Village; their children Jennifer Jevtic (Sasko) of Enschede, The Netherlands; Patrick Stura (Elizabeth) and Todd Stura (Tamara Ghattas) of Chicago; and Michelle Voorhees (James) of Houston; and her 3 great-grandchildren, Jordan, Bailey and Lia. She was eagerly anticipating the birth of another great-granddaughter when she left us. Harriet was especially close to and fond of her nieces Sandra Commito, of Atlanta and Kelly Otero of Houston. Visitation/Rosary is on Friday, November 25th at 5:00pm at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Hot Springs Village. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 26th at 10:00am. Interment will be at CedarVale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Harriet's honor to Potter's Clay Ministries, Inc. 110 Crescent Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901. Tom and Sharon wish to express their appreciation and gratitude to Harriet's neighbors and friends for their exceptional loving care, support, and visits during her final days. Arrangements entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home (501)922-6100. Guests may register at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net

Harriet Oliva

December 25, 1920 - November 16, 2011