Olivia Fabiola Christie's Obituary
Olivia Fabiola (Perez) Christie, age 84, passed away Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. Olivia was born May 31, 1939, in Chillanes, Ecuador to Modesto Perez and Marina Rios. She was raised in Chillanes and moved to Guayaquil after high school, where she met her future husband, Frederick (“Fred”) Christie. Fred proposed after two dates. After she and Fred married, they moved together to Fred’s hometown of Muskegon, MI, where they lived and raised their family.
Olivia was a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker. She was an excellent cook who delighted in making and sharing recipes from her homeland. As a skilled seamstress, her creativity was on display in everything she made, from embroidery to clothing to dolls. She loved flowers and spent many hours cultivating the extensive flower beds around the family home. She had a lively spirit and a wonderful, feisty sense of humor.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred; brother, Gonzalo; and sisters, Teresa and Elsie. She is survived by her son, Thomas Christie (Rachel Sandretto) and daughter, Sylvia Christie. She was loved greatly.
The family is grateful for the care and support of the Butterworth Hospital staff, especially their chaplain. In lieu of flowers, donations of food or clothing to the Muskegon Rescue Mission are appreciated or memorials may be made to The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.
A Celebration of Life will take place in the Spring of 2024. The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444) is honored to be serving the Christie family. To share special memories with the family, please visit http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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