Olivia Juanita Diaz

Olivia Juanita Diaz, 82, of Topeka, passed away on March 28, 2023, at The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus.   

She was born March 8, 1941, in Topeka, the daughter of Tony Charay Balandran and Ramona (Garcia) Balandran.  Olivia graduated from Topeka High School and went on to work at Bama Pie Shop. She was a housekeeper for Ramada Inn and eventually retired from AmeriPride as a seamstress.

Olivia was a member of the Altar Society at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  She enjoyed  crocheting, needle work, her cats, and in her earlier years, watching American Bandstand. Her passion though was her family.  Her nieces and nephews were the children she never had. She was more than their aunt. She was a second "mom". She attended every family and friend event, always willing to help. She loved to cook and her potato salad and watermelon carved fruit baskets were her specialties.

She is survived by brothers, Arthur Balandran and wife Naya of Topeka, Bobby Joe Balandran of Topeka, Walter Balandran of Topeka, Tony Balandran of Walla Walla, Washington; nieces and nephews, Suzanne Balandran of Topeka, Annette Berry and husband Keith of Topeka, Joe Balandran and wife Anna of Topeka, Angel Rosdahl and husband Lucas; 13 great nieces and nephews; and 10 great-great nieces and nephews. 

Olivia was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Bernadette “Bernie” Balandran, and nephew, Thomas Balandran and his wife Marlo. 

The family will receive friends 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. A rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Amigos of the Marlo Cuevas-Balandran Activity Center, sent in care of the funeral home.