Elizabeth Anne Oliva

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November 30, 2020

Dearest Liz, it has taken me some time to write this because there are still times I cant believe its true. You came into my life and the whirlwind of knowing you started. The first time we met you were so sad, then 5 minutes later we were laughing out... more

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November 14, 2020

Liiiiiiz! It’s taken me some time to process the weight of your passing, as the world I grew close to you in differs so much from where I’m at today. Memories of that world have flooded my mind since you’ve been gone and I’m reminded that you... more

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October 16, 2020

My beautiful Liz Hole -

Picking one moment or story you feels impossible because choosing just one feels like de-valuing the others. I can’t count the tear-streaming-down-my-face-gasping-for-breath laughs you gave me. After some inner debates, I’ve... moreMy beautiful Liz Hole -

Picking one moment or story you feels impossible because choosing just one feels like de-valuing the others. I can’t count the tear-streaming-down-my-face-gasping-for-breath laughs you gave me. After some inner debates, I’ve landed on at least one superpower: you truly could not keep your true self from coming out.

The idea of putting up a wall or tip-toeing around a truth never seemed to cross your mind. You gave us more of yourself than anyone I have ever met. And you never demanded the same in return. Your gift was just inviting us to do the same — asking through your own easy authenticity why we wouldn’t cry or laugh as transparently as you were — making unavoidably obvious how stupid the facades we all put up are.

One of the only quotes I’ve ever reliably remembered is from Maya Angelou: “At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”

Talking to others blessed by you and trying to make sense of all this, there was an obvious and resounding commonality. Yes, you were brilliant, hilarious, disarming, and electrically witty. You burned so brightly, and that was obvious. But more rare, was that your energy didn’t take up space but actively made space for others. Your openness and relentless authenticity made me feel, probably for the first time ever, that my real self, not the face constructed for the rest of the world, could be enough.

I’ll continue to remember so many things you said and did (for their ridiculousness, how could I not??), but most vivid will be how rare it is for someone to consistently, no matter what you said or did, foster and nourish a feeling of self-worth in others.

Making you laugh was the best feeling and you let us do it a lot. Even in astounding sadness, I have a smile thinking about the way your eyes always lit up deviously the seconds before you burst out laughing — like someone just pulled a prank (you probably did). I’m so lucky I got to experience your joy and learn from you. Thank you, Liz Hole.

- Forever your Mad Hole

To Liz’s beautiful family, nothing was more obvious than the love and joy she found in being your family. She beamed with pride — and took every opportunity to tell you about — her luck in having equally hilarious, empathetic, and outrageous counterparts at home. She quite literally gushed with admiration for the grace and power of her female relatives — you were an obvious touchstone of strength from her. Some of you I’ve never met, but I still know your accomplishments. She would rush with equal vigor to play me Vince’s voicemail impressions, show me a ridiculous snapchat from Joe, an embarrassing childhood photo from Christina or Victoria, or a random text from a cousin. If I didn’t get the joke, I still laughed because she was laughing that hard. My heart is with you always because, though you were so blessed to have her in your family, so was she. less

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October 15, 2020

These words are so hard to type, this news has rocked myself and my friend Alice today. We communicated with Liz frequently in a text group between the 3 of us sharing hope, jokes, prayers, gratitude. We were worried since she hadn't replied and wanted... more

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October 14, 2020

Liz,
One thing I can always count on is for you to make me laugh. Even as I sat down to write this I could not stop laughing at the absurd antics we got ourselves into over the 20 years we knew each other.

I'm thankful that during the past few years you... moreLiz,
One thing I can always count on is for you to make me laugh. Even as I sat down to write this I could not stop laughing at the absurd antics we got ourselves into over the 20 years we knew each other.

I'm thankful that during the past few years you lived in Arizona we kept in regular touch. We were just laughing about how in 5th grade we brought the house down with a self proclaimed iconic performance of Be a Lion from The Wiz with me singing and you on the double bass. On TWO separate occasions in the last year I texted you to guess who I bumped into on the streets of NYC and you got it right on the first try both times. I've read those texts over and over and they never fail to make me laugh.

I've always admired your discipline and dedication. I remember you expressing frustration in me while we were studying together one day in high school, saying that if I wasn't putting forward my best effort I wouldn't reach my full potential. You recognized so early on that anything was possible if you put enough time and effort into it, and I'll always appreciate your attempt to share that we with me and giving me the friendly push I needed to aim for more.

My list of memories with Liz could go on forever but some prime examples of what absolute fools we were together include: taking a joyride without licenses and putting on sunglasses so "no one would know how old we were", coming in dead last for every single crew race and blaming it on "the curse of Bobby Stowe" and not that we were messing around and singing when we were supposed to be training, starting a "pray for Kipper" campaign on Facebook when nothing was wrong with him, a lifetime of making up dances, you "feeling sick" and going home from every sleepover we had for basically 10 years, walking over and letting ourselves into each others houses without even checking if the other person was home, endless Broadway shows and just hours and hours of laughing until we cried. I've said it before- I'll never forget the sound of your laugh. Thank you for everything. less

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Mercedes Perez Whitman reacted on this.

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October 12, 2020

Dearest Liz, Lizhole, Lizard, Bess (yes, I know you'd be mad about this one.) One of my oldest and first friends.

It's hard to know where to begin. When my parents moved out of Ridgewood this summer, we found the beanie babies you and I had colored all... more

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October 12, 2020

I have to admit that I have been wondering what I would write in something like this for the last two weeks. How can you put a life, a laugh or a heart like Liz's down in just a few sentences and do the justice it deserves? The answer is that you simply... more

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Amy McBrayer and Mercedes Perez Whitman reacted on this.

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October 10, 2020 · via iPhone

Liz, I will forever cherish our memories from growing up together as neighbors on Ridgewood Ave. When I think back to all of our times together I am constantly laughing with you. You always lit up the room the second you entered it and your laugh was... more

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October 8, 2020 · via iPhone

Liz,
Your friendship is one that I will always cherish... Top of mind, I think of your contagious laugh and the passion you put towards everything you did. Your ability to light up a room was so special and so constant. You will be missed by so many. My... more

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Amy McBrayer, Andina Toscano, and Mercedes Perez Whitman reacted on this.

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October 8, 2020

Sweet Liz - you are a human one doesn't easily forget. A compelling character: fearless, brave, and witty - charming, clever and caring; full of the most delightful surprises! You took me on some unexpected adventures throughout our time at Michigan.... more

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Sloane Forbush reacted on this.

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October 6, 2020 · via iPhone

My Liz. You were so unapologetically yourself with the kindest and most selfless heart and soul. I can confidently say I’ve never laughed harder in my life with anyone else, and you were always a sounding board for me when life was feeling a bit tough.... more

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Sloane Forbush and Margaret Lefanowicz reacted on this.

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October 6, 2020

I love you dear Liz. Thank you for inspiring us all to do better, work for what's right and just, live authentically, and always find time to share infectious laughter and enjoy. You have had such a profound impact on my life and the lives of so many... more

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Margaret Lefanowicz reacted on this.

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October 6, 2020

I don't even have words for the immeasurable loss the world has suffered in losing you. Never in my life have I seen one person work so hard to help others... be so sensitive to struggles they may never have experienced... all while fighting some very... moreI don't even have words for the immeasurable loss the world has suffered in losing you. Never in my life have I seen one person work so hard to help others... be so sensitive to struggles they may never have experienced... all while fighting some very difficult battles of your own. You wanted to live life more than anyone I've ever met. I sit here typing this early morning before work, around the time we so often would chat during my commute into Manhattan and your 5am walks to beat the Arizona heat. You were a champion of mental health and wellness, self-care and self-love, life at its peak and also at its valleys. You never sugar-coated things and I appreciate your raw honesty about just how hard things get sometimes. You inspired people to talk about "uncomfortable" topics yet still managed to honor and respect the viewpoints that didn't necessarily fit within your own. You were tenacious, spirited, and fiesty on social media when even I myself shied away from posting or saying *controversial* things. I respect you so much for the words you put out there and the person you grew up to be.

Liz, you loved your family and friends with a passion I have never seen before. Despite the fact you often called yourself "overly sensitive", this seems to be exactly what made you the compassionate and understanding person we all knew and loved. I am reminded of you by the most trivial things and it is painstakingly hard to not text or call you on a whim throughout my day. While I'd much rather have you earth-side, I know I am so blessed to have you looking down upon me and many, many others.

A day will never go by where I don't think of you Liz. Working in healthcare or in any "business of helping others" can feel like the most difficult thing in the world at times and I know you understand that too. I feel lucky to have you serve as my reminder: it is an important "business", it is a calling, and it is something I am blessed to do each and every day. I miss everything about you and will do my best to live a life as devoted to others as you constantly seemed to do. I know this isn't goodbye but more of a "see you later" type deal.

You live on in my heart and I will love you for all time Elizabeth. Until we meet again.... less

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October 3, 2020

Liz was the type of friend that you could share the good, the bad and the ugly with. She was supportive no matter the circumstance and listened sincerely when you needed a friend. She was the softest place to land and the best person to laugh with. There... more

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 3, 2020

Liz was a unique and spectacular person. Just when you felt you knew her, she revealed another layer of herself. Her complexity made her an expert friend. She knew how to make you feel comforted and understood all in one joke. You could be your authentic... more

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 3, 2020 · via iPhone

In March I read Liz’s honest and brave post about her struggles with addiction and depression. I said back then that I know in her raw bravery she has saved the lives of others who too struggle. I believe that today and always will. I have the blessing... more

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 3, 2020

Liz was a force. She was a deeply loving and dedicated friend. I will cherish our memories forever. Sending my deepest sympathies and love to the Oliva family today and always.

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 3, 2020

There are moments that the words don't reach
There is suffering too terrible to name
You hold your child as tight as you can
And push away the unimaginable...

Elizabeth and I didn't get to see each other as often as we would have liked. Holidays were... more

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 2, 2020

Wherever she went, Liz brought joy and light. When spending time with her, you couldn't help but smile - her sense of humor and infectious laugh could brighten up the darkest of rooms. She was kind, caring, and thoughtful, always thinking of others and... more

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 2, 2020

Liz,
You were such a light and one of the funniest, kindest, smartest people I have ever known. Our friendship began when Victoria and Pam decided that we needed to be friends and took us on a tour of RHS the summer before freshman year, and the rest is... more

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 2, 2020

I will always remember Liz’s contagious laugh, adventurous spirit, and the fun she brought with her wherever she went. I got to know Liz in high school, where she was a lively member of New Players and good friends with my younger sister, Andrea. A... more

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 2, 2020 · via iPhone

Liz was one of a kind. I have so many wonderful memories that we shared, including countless slumber parties during our Somerville/BF days and clowning our way through years of French class together. I’ve been looking at old photos and messages and... more

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Catherine DeLisi and Mercedes Perez Whitman reacted on this.

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October 2, 2020 · via iPhone

To the entire Oliva family, sending my most sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers. Liz was a beam of light and joy during the time I knew her in high school. Our paths crossed over and over again, first in working at color me mine, then in mock... more

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 2, 2020

To the Oliva family,
I am so heartbroken for each of you. Liz was such a light in my life for the brief time that I knew her. We met in New Players and we also worked together at Color Me Mine!! I loved having her around, and I can remember her laugh so... more

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 2, 2020 · via iPhone

Sweet Elizabeth, you were such a light in this world. You worked hard, loved fiercely, and supported our family through our worst moments. We will remember you always and channel your spirit to tackle the hard, important issues of this world. All our love.

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 2, 2020 · via iPhone

While I have so many memories of Elizabeth, all of which speak so perfectly to her resilience, patience, and ability to love so deeply (i.e. her continuing to love me and go along with my “fun ideas” despite the fact that .... they were never really... moreWhile I have so many memories of Elizabeth, all of which speak so perfectly to her resilience, patience, and ability to love so deeply (i.e. her continuing to love me and go along with my “fun ideas” despite the fact that .... they were never really fun for her. For example, convincing her to go into a dark closet with me to summon “spirits” through ouija - aka - me moving the piece of plastic to freak her out to the point of tears. Or her trust in me to move to the next “fun” activity of beauty salon - aka- layering pounds of makeup on our faces so that we resembled actual clowns and likely got screamed at by my mom for being idiots), there is one memory that I cherish more than the rest.

I remember it so vividly, and always will - Elizabeth and I were sitting on my parents couch watching a Louis C.K. special, and while I always thought he was funny, Elizabeth was HYSTERICALLY laughing from the second he started talking to the second he stopped. I have never laughed so hard. He was funny, I’ll give her that. But most of my laughter was not because of Louis C.K., rather a direct result of being put under the Elizabeth laughter spell. It was truly the most contagious, perfect, full bodied laugh that I’ve ever heard, and there was no escaping laughter-free if she was laughing. Ever.

It’s such a simple memory, but to me, it is just plain, perfect, Elizabeth in all of her perfection. She was always so full of love, and life, and brought so much joy to a room, even in the worst of times.

There is, and never will be, anyone like her.

Amongst other things, her laugh will stay with me forever and continue to bring me joy through the sadness, as I’m sure it will many others.

Elizabeth- I’m so blessed to have had the gift of being your cousin and to have experienced the pure love and beauty that you brought to this world. I will hold your in my heart forever. You were a perfect light and will continue to be one always. I love you so much. 💗 less

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 1, 2020 · via iPhone

When I think of auntie Lizhole, I can’t help but think of laughing so hard to Josh Groban singing Donald Trump tweets including “I’ve never seen a thin person drinking Diet Coke”, or us scream signing “the dog days are over” driving around in... more

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 1, 2020 · via iPhone

Liz, I can’t even express how much your friendship meant to me. Your spirit, your smile, your passion for a better world, your humor, your immense love for your family and friends will always stay with us. Throughout the years I’ve watched you mature... more

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.
Haley Wodenshek This is from when we went to OG I think...?
- October 1, 2020

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October 1, 2020 · via iPhone

Words cannot express the sorrow we feel on the passing of our niece Elizabeth. Elizabeth spent Christmas Eve at our house each year and will be remembered for her big beautiful eyes, her brilliant smile and tremendous heart. Rest sweet girl.

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 1, 2020 · via iPhone

For me, memories of Elizabeth consist of being gathered around the table for Christmas, a time we all truly looked forward too. Christmas Eve’s would be full of food, family and music blasting too loudly and yet through it all Elizabeth’s infectious... more

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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October 1, 2020

Our deepest condolences. May her memory be a blessing. To honor Elizabeth's work we have made a donation in her memory to the International Rescue Committee.

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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September 30, 2020 · via iPhone

Liz, you have had me laughing hysterically, learning with you, and leaning on you since the beginning of time (or what feels like it). Through life’s ups and downs we would share great memories of playing the part of a tree in 5th grade or rapping... more

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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September 30, 2020 · via iPhone

Liz, my angel, you were larger than life. My best friend, my home away from home. My heart is broken but our sisterhood is forever and I will carry you with me no matter where I go. I love you endlessly and I’m so proud to be your best friend. And... more

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Christina Oliva, Catherine DeLisi, and Sloane Forbush reacted on this.

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September 30, 2020 · via iPhone

This is how I’ll greet you when I see you again. I love you, sis.

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Christina Oliva, Catherine DeLisi, and Sloane Forbush reacted on this.

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September 30, 2020 · via iPhone

Nothing compares to you.

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Catherine DeLisi reacted on this.

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September 30, 2020 · via iPhone

I’m at a loss for words, but I do know Leila gained the most amazing and perfect guardian angel and fairy Godmother. She may not get to meet her again in her lifetime, but she will know the love Elizabeth had for her and what a resilient, loving and... more