Olivia C. Kochevar

Olivia Chavez Kochevar, 89, peacefully passed away on Feb. 2, 2018, in the home that she loved and enjoyed so much. She was a devoted wife, mother and friend, and she will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her. She grew up on an oil baron’s ranch in Dawson, N.M., in a 3-room, dirt-floored shack with her parents, beloved sister, Antonia, and her brothers, Bebee and Ray. And although no one in her family had ever attended university, she rose from abject poverty by putting herself through nursing school, where she graduated with her LPN in 1957 and then worked as a nurse at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital. She also served her community and retired from the State of Colorado as a court interpreter. The loves of her life were her children, Eloy and Tom Arguello, Dr. Renee Kochevar and Lisa Kochevar; and her grandchildren. Later in life, her grandchildren gave her the strength to live more years than she would have without them, and they were her light, her loves and her blessings. She strove to offer her children and grandchildren the opportunities she never had, and she ensured that all of her children were college graduates. She was a tireless hard-worker and a very talented artisan. She loved to bake and do all types of needlework - knitting, crochet, embroidery, quilting, etc., and she made enough doilies while waiting for her children during their music lessons to cover every table in the greater Pueblo area. Olivia was one of the most generous people a person could ever meet - for every gift she received, she would give three in return. She made friends for life, and those who were lucky enough to know her adored her as she did them. Although our hearts break to no longer have her with us, we celebrate her glorious life and spirit, and know that she is now with God. She was an unfailingly devout Catholic, and her faith, love of God, the Blessed Virgin, St. Anthony and Jesus gave her strength until her last breath. A memorial service to commemorate and honor her will be held at noon on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, at the Shrine of St. Therese. Interment at Roselawn Cemetery and a reception at the American Legion Hall in Blend, Colo., will follow. Family, friends and colleagues are welcome to attend.