Friday, February 3, 2023
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My sincerest condolences to Olga's family, particularly to her granddaughter of whom she adored. My name is Josefina Greene, and I met Olga around March of 2022. I had just moved my father from Miami to Century Village because at 88, I needed him closer to where I live. One day, my father who still drives, saw her waiting outside Publix. He did not know her, but he noticed her worried look and asked if she was ok. She proceeded to tell him that she may have missed the last bus. My dad told her not to worry, that he also lived in Century Village, and would take her home. So, Olga got in the car with my dad. That is when I asked him, she got in a car with a man she doesn’t know?!! My dad is a saint, but she did not know that! I thought, wow, she is so adventurous! I knew right then she was a special lady. My dad told me she was 99. In the weeks that followed, she called him regularly. I was intrigued by this lovely soul, and thus I called her and introduced myself. I asked her if I could do anything for her and told her about Trader Joe’s. She had never been, so one day I picked her up and took her there to grocery shop. Another day I took her to Target. She was such a pleasure to be with, so warm and personable, and her gratitude overflowed. It was such a good feeling to do something nice for her. She told me her life story. She was open-minded and kind. I couldn’t believe she was living independently at 99 and I prayed that if I ever get to be her age, that I’d be just like her. She reminded me so much of Betty White. After that, I did not see her much, but I would call her periodically. She would immediately greet me, not missing a beat, she was so sharp! Between being the caregiver and administrator of my dad’s life, and moving in with my mother-in-law, because she too needed more supports, I was spread thin and stressed out. I only wish I would have been able to spend more time with Olga. I had made it a point to write down her birthday in my calendar early on. It had already been several months since I talked to her. She did not call my dad as much anymore, because he is set in his ways and did not want to go to the clubhouse or do any of the things she wanted to do. My little old goat can be grumpy, what can I say!? With a little bit of hesitation this morning, I called both her home and cell phone numbers. Deep down, I feared God may have taken her. Both phones weren’t working, and my heart sank. Two clicks of mouse, it was confirmed. She passed a day before my birthday. My heart is heavy tonight, but I know not nearly as much as her family’s. She left me with a good lesson, to always find time for those you care about before it’s too late. Olga, you will be missed dearly.
