Olivia Lozano — mom, gramma and “gramma Bazano” — passed away peacefully in her own home on October 5, 2020 after a courageous battle with oral cancer.

Mom was born on January 11, 1939 in Fort Garland, Colorado to Onesimo and Porfidia Martinez. Times were tough as a young girl and in 1948 the family moved to California. Olivia was the middle child of five and the oldest daughter. She attended Lincoln Elementary in Oakland and graduated from Holy Names High School in 1957.

Through one of her brothers she met Michael Lozano and they married in 1957. Olivia was always a working mom and spent most of her career in the title insurance business – long before copy machines and faxes. She made many lifelong friends in those years and cherished their mentoring and support. At the age of 40 she decided she wanted to learn to play the piano and shared that love with her oldest granddaughter.

Mike and Olivia moved to Arcata in 1991 following their children and grandchildren. She worked part time at General Hospital in Eureka in medical records for a short time and then was great help with grandkid duty! She was always at the grandkids events – school performances, baseball, volleyball, football games and Scouting ceremonies. They really were the gems in her life.

As a member of St. Mary’s in Arcata she volunteered with Alter Society and made many new friends in the parish. Olivia was an amazing caregiver when Mike fell ill and until his passing in 2012. Olivia gave line-dancing a try to fill time and she was hooked! Her line dancing days were her best and the many friends she made who got her through some lonesome days for Mike.

Olivia’s great-grandson wanted this said about her: “She was a great lady, she loved music and line dancing. She was proud of her children, grandchildren and loved her great-grandchildren very much. She had many friends who will miss her smile and laugh. She liked lighthouses, giraffes and musical notes in the big cabinet. She always had candy for ‘her guys.’”

She was able to attend her youngest granddaughter’s wedding the past August – and that meant the world to her.

Olivia is survived by her children Lori Ponte and husband Dave, Michael Lozano and wife Joy. Grandchildren Joe Ponte and wife Brooke, Erin Ponte and fiancé Dave Thomas, Michael Ponte, Sam Lozano and Grace Maples and husband Derek. Great grand children Calen Ponte and McKenzie Ponte. A small number of remaining family in the Bay Area and niece Diane in Ohio. Her friends Seba, Pat, Doris and that special group of line dancers!

A special thank you to Dr. John Biteman who came out of retirement to help navigate her care, attend appointments and keep us educated. Dr. Christopher Lee, Dr. Allison Palacios, Christina Campbell and Yvette Faust for their professionalism and sincere kindness. Also Greg Morrill from Hospice

Graveside service Saturday October 24, 2020 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Arcata. Please wear a mask. If you would like to make a donation in Olivia’s name, please donate to Hospice of Humboldt.