Maria Olivia Carrillo's Obituary
Beloved mother and grandmother, Maria Olivia Carrillo, passed away on May 30th, 2024, at the age of ninety-seven years old. She was preceded by her parents Ignacio & Elena Zatarain, Uncle Felipe Zatarain, Uncle Benito and Aunt Carmen Santiago, Aunt Antonia Rendon, sister Lucy and brother Manual Zatarain along with her eldest son Dr. Robert Carrillo MD and grandson Raymond Abraham Carrillo. Surviving brother is Daniel Zatarain. Surviving sons Raymond and Jorge Carrillo Esquire, with their respective spouses Ofelia and Raquel Carrillo as well as grandchildren Andres, Jaime, Myra, and Isamar Carrillo. Surviving great grandchildren Scarlett and Avery Garcia. There are other numerous relatives present.
Olivia or mom was a gracious individual, a hard worker in all endeavors and generous to those she met. She loved God and gave a great spiritual example to those who came across her path. She was a devoted mother who guided all three sons to do the right thing and supported their quest to seek a higher education for a better life. All three sons were the first in their family network to graduate from college. All 3 sons became professionals who served their communities within the field of medicine, law & social service. She was proud of her boys.
Maria “Olivia” keenly followed the teachings of God and contributed to many charities such as “Boys Towns” to help unfortunate children. One example where she extended a helping hand was to a young Honduran Pastor, Leonel Corea. The first service for his ministry was in her humble home with her parents Ignacio & Elena Zatarain. The church “Fuente Divina” later became a large Hispanic Christian church with the Assembly of God.
Maria Olivia worked hard to support her teen children as they pursued their higher educational aspirations. Some of early work history was laborious in the fruit fields of California. She did engage in assembly work in electronics processing tuna.
She always loved to learn. In her mid-fifties she pursued college & acquired credits to become a teacher assistant in public elementary & private schools with emotional and disabled children. She immensely loved guiding these children and nurtured their desire to learn in a safe emotional environment.
She was also a great cook and prepared many traditional, delicious Mexican recipes. However, her “calditos” were raved by many as were the other healthy meals that she generously provided. She honored her parents who lived well into their nineties by taking care of them for over three decades until they too, passed. More importantly, she lived a good life where she imparted the Christian values taught by her parents to her children as well. She served and loved God. Born in California; she was part of the migrant families who fled in trains from Mexico into the United States during the aftermath turmoil from the Mexican civil war in the 1920’s. Her family returned to their native land & she was raised in Mazatlan where many of her fathers’ and mother's relatives live.
All parents want to have their children succeed on their own terms, pursue their passions and find their own path to happiness. She left a long lasting legacy for all her family to seek their dreams. She was loved and respected by those who were fortunate to know her. She lives on in our thoughts, heart and souls. God bless you all and my mother.
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