Olga Martha Arenivar was born into eternal life on Friday, April 21, 2023. She left this world with her chin held high and a proud look on her face for a life well lived. Her family rejoices in knowing that Olga is now dancing with the love of her life, who preceded her, Joseph Arenivar.
Olga was born in Durango, Mexico and moved to Arizona permanently when she was 6 years old. Olga then moved to Pittsburg at the age of 16 to live with her aunt where she created many lifelong friendships. After graduating from Pittsburg High School, she continued her educational journey while working at Al's Hot Dog stand. It was there that Olga met her future husband. With two young children and a baby on the way, Olga earned her Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Speech Communication at San Francisco State University. The college was under intense scrutiny at this time and Olga followed her heart to protest against the war and support the strike on campus. This led to Olga becoming involved in the development of the nation's first collegiate Ethnic Studies program. It was at SFSU, Olga found her passion for knowledge, strength as a Latina, and power to use her voice.
Immediately after earning her Master's degree, Olga was selected as one of the original faculty members of Los Medanos Community College and chosen to develop the Speech Department. She had a long career and retired with 40 years of teaching experience. Through the years, Olga actively participated in the growth of the college while never giving up her love of learning. It was this desire for knowledge that gave Olga the ability and willingness to see new and different ways of existing in the world. In the 1970's, Olga began her yoga practice, which she eventually also taught at LMC. In the 1980's, Olga recognized the underrepresentation of Latinas in higher education. She brought this concern to a Great Teachers' Seminar and connected with 4 other women where they established the Latina Leadership Network. Olga was the organization's first and longest serving president. She worked tirelessly to develop a governing framework so that the organization could continue to thrive beyond the life of its founding members. Today the organization is still functioning throughout the California Community College system.
Olga traveled all over the world. In her later years, focusing especially on trips to see the fall foliage. Olga spent many mornings out in nature enjoying a walk with one of her various walking partners. She took great pleasure in talking with her friends and sharing a laugh. Olga would often have music playing throughout the house and loved to dance. Yet, it was her strong belief in spirituality that helped Olga find joy in all things. The knowledge that Olga obtained through her education, experience, and travels was passed on to her family. It is Olga's worldly and forward-thinking insights that have helped them to be and exist in the world. This includes the love of her life Joe and her three devoted children who survive her: Camille Arenivar (Mike Costanza) of Pittsburg, Sam Arenivar (John Hanson) of San Diego, and Danielle Arenivar Kamrud (Dan Kamrud) of Clayton, grandchildren Nicole Stigamire of Concord, Destinee Davi of Davis, Lukas and Sarandon Kamrud of Clayton, and great grandchildren Aubree and Rylee Bergstein of Davis.
Join us in Celebrating Olga's Life on May 27, 2023 at 10am at Walnut Creek Civic Park. 1375 Civic Drive. A burial will be held at a later date at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon where she will be placed with her husband Joe.
Please wear bright colors to honor Olga's love of color in nature and her zest for life.