Carmen M. Olavarria

Carmen Maria Nuñez-Olavarria, age 94, resident of Crown Point, Indiana, formerly from Lares and Aricebo, Puerto Rico passed away on August 31, 2024. Carmen was born in Lares on September 9, 1929, and although she only attended school until sixth grade, her commitment to her churches namely, Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville, Indiana and Nativity in Portage, Indiana, were apparent. In addition to her commitment to her churches, Carmen had two notable hobbies: making handmade gloves and gardening. Her handmade gloves were made and sold to celebrities to help support others, and her gardens in both Indiana and Puerto Rico had an abundance of plants, fruits, vegetables, “most importantly” – plantains for tostones, and many, many, other flowers. She is survived by her five children: Audelisa (Gregory) Dimos, Juan Jr. (Peggy) Olavarria, James Olavarria, Nelson (Teresa) Olavarria, and Nilsa (James) Hand. Her legacy will continue through six grandchildren – Anthoney Dimos, John (Courtney) Olavarria, Gerry Olavarria, Stephan Dimos, Danielle Hand, and Jonathan (Ana) Hand – as a reminder of her commitment to her community. In addition, she has three great grandchildren – Noah, Deacon, and Alaina – who will further a lasting, reminder of her initiatives. Throughout the greater Chicago area and Puerto Rico, Carmen still has many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who she loved equally with all her heart; also, she is survived by her sister Angelica (Fermin) Perez, Nereida Valentin, Enedi Arce, Reynaldo (Myrna) Nuñez, Suzanna Nuñez, and Virginia Nuñez. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ceferino and Carmen Nuñez, her husband, Juan Olavarria Sr., her daughter-in-law, Alma Olavarria, and many other siblings who she loved. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024, with the funeral mass to follow immediately at approximately 10 a.m.at the Roman Catholic parish, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 3530 Illinois St., Hobart, IN. The mass will be presided over by her “adopted son,” Reverend Lourdu Pasala, with her place of rest at McCool Cemetery in Portage, IN. The family of Carmen Maria Nuñez-Olavarria would also like to extend their gratitude and many thanks for the tireless efforts of the staff of Traditions Hospice of Crown Point, Unity Hospice Care, and all of the ad hoc care support over the last three years. Our sincerest gratitude goes out to the following individuals: Bri’ana, Jan, Jennifer, Heather, Morgan, and Katie. www.burnsfuneral.com.

Carmen M. Olavarria

September 9, 1929 - August 31, 2024