Obituary of Ollivene B. Irving

Ollivene B. Irving "Beloved matriarch of the family" OLEAN, N.Y. – Ollivene B. Irving, 82, of Olean, passed away unexpectedly Friday (February 26, 2016) with her loving family by her side. Born January 21, 1934, in Olean, she was the daughter of Justus and Ona Alheiser Derx. On September 25, 1954, in Olean she married Charles “Gene” Irving. After 29 years of a loving marriage, he passed away on September 18, 1983. Ollivene was compassionate in all that she did. She had heart for working with those with special needs and enjoyed her employment at the Rehabilitation Center and as a teacher aide for BOCES. She also worked at the former Weston's Shoppers City and Cafe Marquis. Ollivene showed her dedication to the Olean community through volunteering her time. Over the years, Ollivene enjoyed volunteering for the YMCA, Olean Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Olean General Hospital, Swizzy’s Cause, PTA and numerous other organizations. She took pride in her membership of Saint Mary of the Angels church, donating her time and talents to the bereavement committee and church choir. Ollivene was an Olean High School graduate. She attended Geneseo State Teachers College and Alfred University. For over 25 years she was a member of the Olean Alumni Association Board and treasurer for many of those years. She was an avid fan of the Bills, Yankees, and all of her grandchildren's sports teams, especially the Olean Oilers. Her support for her family was obvious and admirable. Ollivene enjoyed spending time with her friends at the Olean YMCA and the participating Secret Pals with the Olean Senior Center. Her care for others was far beyond her care for herself. She enjoyed baking cookies for relatives and friends. For several years she invited them to her house for the day; they could choose from over 100 dozen cookies to take home in exchange for a donation to the Olean Food Pantry. Ollivene was an honorable matriarch of her family respected by all. She was a positive role model and always supportive. Even when she was going through hard times, she nurtured all of her children with love and comfort. She took a large part in each grandchild's upbringing. She was an example of kindness, commitment and faith. Surviving are four sons, Tim (Shirley) Irving of San Luis Obispo, C.A., John (Julie) Irving of Olean, Chuck (Mary) Irving of East Lancaster, C.A., and Steven (Jennifer) Irving of Mechanicsburg, P.A.; five daughters, Kathy (Bob) Bell, Theresa (Dan) Klice, Barb (Pat) Sweitzer, Laura (Randy) Walker and Jennifer (Chris) Cappelletti, all of Olean; 19 grandchildren, Pat (Christine) Irving, Matt (Celeste) Irving, Katie Irving, Erin Bell, Kelly (Dave) Livingston, Sarah (Chad) Davidson, Bryan (Ali) Irving, Daniel Irving, Katy Irving, Bobby Bell, Kimberly (Ben) Livingston, Michael Irving, Christine Sweitzer, Janine Bell, Christopher Klice, Andrew Klice, Nick Cappelletti, Casey Cappelletti, Cory Walker, Katherine Irving, Charlie Irving, and Annelise Irving; 12 great-grandchildren, Berlin Irving, Caylee Crawford, Carter Crawford, Kristen Haynes, Ryleigh Livingston, Gage Livingston, Conor Irving, Abigail Irving, Devin Livingston, Aireanna Livingston, Norah Sweitzer, and Lillian Sweitzer; seven siblings, Mary Barbara Marra , John (Mert) Derx , Archie (Robin) Derx, and David Derx, all of Olean, Donald (Rita) Derx of Cuba, N.Y., Ona Lee (Mel) Hamann of Boston, N.Y., and Cathy (Brad) Beach of Lexington, K.Y.. She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Jessica Sweitzer. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Sunday from 1-3 & 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held Monday (February 29, 2016) beginning with a prayer service at 9:30am in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00am at St. Mary of the Angels Church. Rev. David Tourville, assistant pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Swizzy’s Cause, care of the Olean YMCA, 1101 Wayne St., Olean, N.Y., 14760; St. Mary of the Angels Bereavement Fund, 202 South Union St., Olean, N.Y. 14760; or the Olean Food Pantry, 8 Leo Moss Drive, Olean, N.Y. 14760. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.