Sister Olivia Marie
06.19.26
Sister Olivia Marie, baptized as Mary, was the youngest child born to Ernest and Olive (Cornella) Bellegante in Sopris, Colorado. As the youngest of eight children, she enjoyed a close bond with her parents, especially her mother. Both parents were important influences on Sr. Olivia's love of family life and on forming her faith. From an early age, she learned to respect others and to honor the elderly. Ever the athlete, Sister said, "Ever since I was old enough to walk, I was always interested in throwing a ball." Her love of sports and her athletic prowess led her to playing on girls' softball and basketball teams. With her vivacious personality and infectious smile, Sr. Olivia claimed high school as some of the most enjoyable days of her life. Her love of people and sports brought her into a wide circle of friends and activities. She was on the cheerleading squad for 3 years, a class representative for 2 years, Senior Class President and a Trinidad State Junior College princess.
Several years after graduation, Sr. Olivia felt "the urge" to become a Sister. She was acquainted with a few Sisters of Charity and decided to spend her spare time visiting with them. The more time she spent with them, the more she felt God had blessed her with a call to religious life. She learned about the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help when she befriended Sr. Mary Elise. Her interest peaked, and she began comparing the two religious communities. Sister said, "I prayed extra hard and decided on the Franciscan Community. I have no regrets." She made her Profession of Vows as a Franciscan Sister of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on August 12, 1965.
After earning a Bachelor's Degree, Sister Olivia's passion for life helped shape her as an exceptional Catholic school educator. Some of her proudest memories were those spent in elementary schools throughout the West and Midwest. With a Catholic school teaching career that spanned forty-one years, Sister touched the hearts and formed the lives of hundreds of students. In 2025, Sister celebrated her 60th anniversary as a Franciscan Sister. She delighted in the many family members and friends who traveled near and far to share in her special day. Any day with family, friends and/or Sisters in Community became a day of laughter, stories and food.
Sr. Olivia Marie always had a smile, a laugh, a good word to share with everyone. No one was a stranger. She lived Franciscan joy to the fullest daily and truly respected every person as a sister or brother. She lifted the spirit of every person she encountered.
Sister Olivia was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Olive Bellegante, siblings, Antoinette (John) Coszalter, Edith (Angelo) Vecellio, Josephine (Victor) Machietto, Angie (Tony) Valenti, Dorothy (Tony) Battistone, Jim (Carmella) Bonato, Albert (Mary) Bonato and other family members, friends and Sisters in Community.
Left to cherish her memory are her many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and Sisters in Community. Let us go forth and continue spreading her joy, laughter, love, kindness and goodwill throughout the world.
Thank you, Olivia, for being our sister, our aunt, our friend, our mentor and a true example of Franciscan joy.
A Memorial Mass will be held on her birthday, July 25, 2026, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Trinidad, Colorado. The Rosary will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Reflection and then the Mass at 12 Noon. Due to construction in the area, please access the church via Convent Street.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Most Holy Trinity Church Restoration Fund, 235 N. Convent St., Trinidad, Colorado, 81082.